Real Sociedad claimed the Copa del Rey title after a dramatic 4–3 penalty shootout win over Atletico Madrid, following a thrilling 2–2 draw after extra time at Estadio La Cartuja.
Goalkeeper Unai Marrero was the hero, saving spot-kicks from Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez, before Pablo Marin converted the decisive penalty to seal the triumph.
Sociedad made a sensational start, taking the lead after just 14 seconds through Ander Barrenetxea, whose looping header caught Juan Musso off guard. Atletico responded well, with Ademola Lookman levelling midway through the first half after neat build-up play involving Antoine Griezmann and Marcos Llorente.
The match turned more physical as the half progressed, but Sociedad regained the lead in stoppage time when Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted from the penalty spot after Musso fouled Goncalo Guedes.
Atletico pushed hard after the break and eventually found their equaliser in the 83rd minute, with Alvarez firing home a powerful left-footed strike to send the contest into extra time.
Chances came at both ends in a tense additional period, with Alvarez hitting the crossbar and both sides showing signs of fatigue. Ultimately, penalties were needed to separate the teams.
Marrero’s brilliance in the shootout proved decisive, ending Atletico’s hopes and securing Sociedad’s first Copa del Rey title since the 2019–20 season.
The defeat continues a poor run for Atletico, who have now lost six of their last seven matches in all competitions, raising concerns ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash with Arsenal.
