Real Sociedad Beat Atlético Madrid 4-3 on Pens for Fourth Copa del Rey — Athletico Madrid
Real Sociedad beat athletico madrid 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw and extra time at La Cartuja in Seville to win the Copa del Rey for the fourth time in their history. The shootout finished a final that swung from the first minute to the last kick, and it sent Real Sociedad back to the trophy in front of thousands of fans.
La Cartuja swing
Ander Barrenetxea scored in the 1st minute, giving Real Sociedad the fastest goal in the competition’s history and a lead that lasted until Atlético answered through Ademola Lookman in the 19th minute. Mikel Oyarzabal then put Sociedad ahead again from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time, before Julián Alvarez dragged Atlético level in the 83rd minute.
The match stayed locked at 2-2 through extra time, and the final went to penalties. Unai Marrero, the backup goalkeeper, saved attempts from Alex Sørloth and Alvarez, turning the shootout in Sociedad’s favor.
Marrero at the spot
Marrero said, “I was in my element,” and added, “I’m still not conscious of what’s happened here.” Pablo Marín then struck the decisive penalty to settle the final and secure the trophy for Real Sociedad.
The goalkeeper’s role gave the evening its sharpest edge. A 24-year-old born in San Sebastián and raised at Real Sociedad, Marrero stepped into a final that had already carried extra weight for the club after its 2021 Copa del Rey win came in an empty stadium.
Matarazzo revival
Pellegrino Matarazzo had taken over as coach four months before the final and revived a side that had been threatened with relegation. After the shootout, he said, “It’s a joy to be able to bring joy to so many people.”
For Atlético Madrid, the loss ended a run to its first cup final in 13 years without a trophy. For Real Sociedad, the night closed with a fourth Copa del Rey and a finish that tied the first-minute strike, the 45+1 penalty, and the shootout into one result that their supporters in Seville will carry home with them.
