Real Sociedad crowned Copa del Rey champions after 4–3 penalty win over Atlético Madrid
Real Sociedad beat Atlético Madrid on penalties after a 2-2 draw to claim the Copa del Rey, winning the shootout 4-3 in Madrid for their fourth cup title.
Real Sociedad were crowned Copa del Rey champions after a dramatic final in Madrid, prevailing 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw with Atlético Madrid. The victory gives Real Sociedad their fourth Copa del Rey trophy and capped a match that featured an immediate goal, a late equaliser and nervy spot-kicks. Key moments came from Ander Barrenetxea, Ademola Lookman, Mikel Oyarzabal and Julián Álvarez. Both clubs pushed through 120 minutes before the outcome was decided from the penalty spot.
Barrenetxea strikes inside 60 seconds
Ander Barrenetxea stunned the stadium with a goal inside the first minute to give Real Sociedad an early lead. The opener set a fast tempo and forced Atlético Madrid to respond for the remainder of the first half. The early shock shaped the tactical approaches, with Atlético chasing possession and Real Sociedad balancing defence with quick transitions.
Lookman levels and Oyarzabal restores lead from penalty
Ademola Lookman drew Atlético level in the 18th minute with a composed finish that returned parity to the contest. The match resumed a more open character as both sides sought control through midfield battles and probing wide play. Real Sociedad regained the advantage when captain Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time, restoring a slender lead at the interval.
Álvarez forces extra time with late equaliser
Atlético turned the game again when Julián Álvarez struck in the 83rd minute to make it 2-2 and force the game into extra time. The late leveller silenced an expectant home crowd and swung momentum back towards Atlético heading into the final ten minutes. Despite opportunities at both ends, neither team could find a winner during the remaining regular time.
Extra time fails to separate the teams
The two sides battled through extra time but were unable to break the balance created in the second half. Fatigue and cautious rotations limited clear chances, as managers adjusted personnel to prepare for a possible shootout. Tactical discipline and defensive resilience defined the additional 30 minutes, leaving penalties as the only resolution.
Penalty shootout crowns Real Sociedad
The shootout proved decisive, with Real Sociedad converting four penalties to Atlético’s three and securing the Copa del Rey title. The 4-3 scoreline on spot-kicks concluded a tense finale that tested composure from both squads and their supporters. Celebrations followed for Real Sociedad players and travelling fans as the club lifted the trophy in Madrid.
Historic echo of 1986/87 underscores significance
The outcome echoed a previous chapter in the clubs’ shared history, with Real Sociedad repeating a shootout victory over Atlético Madrid as in the 1986/87 season. The symmetry of the result underlined the enduring competitiveness between the sides in Spanish cup football. For Real Sociedad, the triumph is both a sporting milestone and a reminder of the club’s tradition in domestic cup competition.
Real Sociedad’s Copa del Rey win delivers a major boost to the club’s season and morale, while Atlético Madrid will dwell on missed opportunities and the late swing that took the match into extra time. The final provided a dramatic showcase of Spanish football, with goals, tactical swings and the heightened pressure of a penalty shootout deciding the champion.