Athletico Madrid lost to Real Sociedad in the Copa Del Rey and the win enabled Sociedad claim their fourth Copa del Rey title via a 4-3 penalty shootout, following a dramatic 2-2 draw after extra time in Seville.
The match itself had been a rollercoaster. Sociedad made a blistering start, taking the lead just 14 seconds in through Ander Barrenetxea. However, Atletico Madrid responded quickly, with Ademola Lookman finishing off a move initiated by Antoine Griezmann to level the score.
Sociedad regained control before halftime when captain Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted a penalty. Describing the feeling, he said, “I’ve never walked on water, but it must feel something like this.”
Atletico Madrid refused to back down, and Julian Alvarez struck late in the game to make it 2-2, forcing extra time. Both sides created chances in the additional period, with Atletico Madrid hitting the woodwork and Real Sociedad coming close through multiple attempts, but neither could find a winner.
The game then moved to penalties, where Marrero’s composure and mind games proved crucial.
“I knew that if it went to penalties, I had a lot of confidence in myself,” he said. “The team and the fans did, too. I still can’t believe it.”
The final was ultimately decided by goalkeeper Unai Marrero, whose heroics in the shootout proved decisive. He denied the opening two spot kicks from Atletico, setting the tone before Pablo Marin stepped up to convert the winning penalty.
“I tried to clear my mind. Calm and serene. Real is my life. I’ve lived here since I was a child. This is the greatest thing I could ever dream of – winning a title with the team of my life”, Marin reflected after the game.
For Atletico Madrid, the defeat was a bitter blow despite their recent strong run, including a place in the Champions League semi-finals. Captain Koke admitted the disappointment but remained optimistic.
“We have a beautiful challenge ahead of us. We want the Champions League, and we’ll do everything possible to win it.
“But tonight is a sad night”, he added.
The victory against Athletico Madrid marks Sociedad’s first Copa del Rey triumph since 2021 and caps a remarkable turnaround under manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has lifted the team from relegation concerns to cup glory.
What is next for Athletico Madrid and Real Sociedad?
While Athletico Madrid, which sit fourth on the LaLiga standings would now focus on the UEFA Champions league semi-final against Arsenal, Real Soceidad, despite not having the best of season, wil be preparing to play the Europa league tournament next having won the Copa Del Rey and sitting in seventh position on the league table.
