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Spain·Football

Real Sociedad win Copa del Rey on penalties as Atlético Madrid fall short in Seville thriller

Sunday, 19 April 2026, 06:08 · 1 min read

Real Sociedad claimed the Copa del Rey for the fourth time in their history on Saturday, beating Atlético Madrid 4–3 on penalties after a gripping 2–2 draw at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. Goalkeeper Unai Marrero was the hero of the shootout, saving spot-kicks from Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez to deny Atlético, before Pablo Marín converted the decisive penalty to seal the trophy for the Basque club. It was Sociedad's first Copa del Rey triumph since 2021, when the delayed 2020 final was held at the same stadium — though on that occasion, without supporters due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The match itself was a remarkable contest. Sociedad struck after just 14 seconds when Ander Barrenetxea rose to head home a cross from Gonçalo Guedes, setting a breathless tempo. Atlético levelled through Nigeria international Ademola Lookman, who collected a pass from Antoine Griezmann and slotted a precise low finish into the far corner — making him only the second Nigerian to score in a Copa del Rey final, after Finidi George in 1997. Sociedad restored their lead just before half-time when captain Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot after Atlético goalkeeper Juan Musso fouled Guedes. With seven minutes remaining, Julián Álvarez struck an unstoppable effort into the top corner to level at 2–2 and force extra time, though Atlético nearly took the lead moments later when Álex Baena squandered an open goal.

Extra time was tense but ultimately goalless. Álvarez struck the crossbar, and Musso made a crucial double save, but neither side could find a winner. In the shootout, Musso did save one penalty from Orri Oskarsson, but Marrero's two stops proved decisive. Marín, a lifelong Sociedad supporter who came through the club's academy, kept his nerve to net the winning kick.

Sources
Al Jazeera EnglishReal Sociedad upset Atletico Madrid to win fourth Copa del Rey title ↗︎Premium Times NigeriaCopa del Rey final: Atlético fall to Sociedad despite Lookman’s goal ↗︎
Also covered by
El País
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