Sociedad Win Copa del Rey Thriller

Real Sociedad have secured the Copa del Rey title for the fourth time in their history after defeating Atlético Madrid 4–3 on penalties following a 2–2 draw after extra time in the final held at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville.

The match produced a record-breaking moment just seconds after kick-off. Ander Barrenetxea scored after 14 seconds, setting a new benchmark for the fastest goal in a Copa del Rey final. This surpassed the previous record of 17 seconds, which had stood since 1952 when Valencia’s Manuel Badenes scored in the final.

Sociedad doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time through Mikel Oyarzabal. Atlético Madrid responded in the 18th minute when Ademola Lookman reduced the deficit. The Madrid side later equalised in the 83rd minute through Julián Álvarez, ensuring the match finished level after 90 minutes.

Neither side was able to find a winner during extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. In the decisive phase, Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero played a key role by saving the first two Atlético penalties, taken by Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez. Although Atlético converted their remaining efforts, the early saves proved decisive in determining the outcome.

The victory marks Real Sociedad’s fourth Copa del Rey triumph, following previous successes in 1909, 1987, and 2020. The 1987 final holds particular historical relevance, as it was also contested between the same two sides and similarly ended in a penalty shootout after a 2–2 draw, with Sociedad winning 4–2 on that occasion.

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone reflected on the defeat when asked about addressing supporters after the loss, stating: “Supporters do not want messages; they want trophies.”

The Copa del Rey, established in 1903, remains Spain’s oldest domestic football competition and one of its most historic sporting tournaments. Sociedad’s latest success also places them alongside only one other club, Real Betis, in having won the competition twice via penalty shootouts. Betis achieved this in 1977 and 2022.

Match Summary

The final was marked by its early record-breaking goal, a balanced contest across regular and extra time, and a decisive penalty shootout that ultimately confirmed Real Sociedad as champions of Spain’s oldest football competition.