Atlético Madrid face Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on Saturday, a match carrying particular emotional weight for striker Antoine Griezmann, who began his professional career at Real Sociedad before becoming a global star at Atlético and is set to leave for MLS side Orlando City at the end of the season. For Real Sociedad, captain Mikel Oyarzabal — whose record in high-stakes finals includes decisive goals in the 2021 Copa del Rey, the 2024 European Championship and the UEFA Nations League — is the key figure, having also scored against Athletic Club to secure his side's passage to this final. A victory would give Atlético their eleventh Copa del Rey title and end a 13-year wait since their last triumph in the competition, while Real Sociedad will be seeking to build on the title drought they ended with their 2021 Copa win.
Mosaic News
Griezmann and Oyarzabal headline Copa del Rey final between Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad[Updated]
Real Sociedad claimed the Copa del Rey with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Atlético Madrid after a pulsating 2-2 draw at La Cartuja, with goalkeeper Unai Marrero the hero after saving spot kicks from Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez. Ander Barrenetxea had put Sociedad ahead after just 14 seconds, Ademola Lookman equalised in the 19th minute, and Oyarzabal converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time before Álvarez's curling strike in the 83rd minute forced extra time. Atlético goalkeeper Juan Musso kept his side's hopes alive by saving Orri Óskarsson's penalty, but academy product Pablo Marín held his nerve to convert the winning kick and hand Real Sociedad their third Copa del Rey title — and their fourth counting the 1909 triumph by the club's predecessor — under American coach Matarazzo, who took charge just four months ago. The result mirrored the 1987 final between the same sides, which also ended 2-2 before Real Sociedad won on penalties.