Real Sociedad Stuns Atlético Madrid In Penalty Shootout To Claim Fourth Copa Del Rey Title

Real Sociedad shocked Atlético Madrid in Seville, clinching the Copa del Rey following a thrilling penalty shootout.

Real Sociedad stunned Atlético Madrid to secure their fourth Copa del Rey title on Saturday, triumphing 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw that extended into extra time in Seville.

Goalkeeper Unai Marrero emerged as the hero for the Basque club, successfully saving penalties from Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez, while Pablo Marín stepped up to convert the decisive spot-kick. Marrero expressed his conviction during the shootout that he was capable of securing a win.

The victory marked the end of Sociedad’s five-year quest for silverware following their triumph in the 2020 Copa del Rey. This event also represented a significant achievement for head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, as he became the first American manager to secure a major trophy in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Sociedad began with an incredible momentum as Ander Barrenetxea found the net merely 14 seconds into the match, marking the quickest goal in Copa del Rey final history. Atlético answered back with a goal from Ademola Lookman in the 18th minute, but Mikel Oyarzabal regained the lead for Sociedad by converting a penalty in first-half stoppage time.

Atlético pushed the match into extra time as Álvarez found the net just seven minutes before the conclusion of regular time. Despite facing late pressure and creating several opportunities, Diego Simeone’s team was unable to secure a victory, ultimately losing in the penalty shootout after the match ended in a draw.

Marrero subsequently excelled in the shootout, securing a memorable victory for Sociedad and concluding a remarkable turnaround under Matarazzo, who assumed leadership in December when the club was close to the relegation zone.