Real Sociedad stunned Atlético Madrid to lift their fourth Copa del Rey title, edging a dramatic final 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw following extra time in Seville.
Goalkeeper Unai Marrero emerged as the hero, denying Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez in the shootout before Pablo Marín fired home the decisive spot-kick.
“I knew that if we got to penalties, I believed in myself, my teammates believed in me, our fans believed in me,” Marrero said. “I still can’t believe it. The boy who dreamed of this has fulfilled his dream.”
The triumph marks Sociedad’s first silverware since their 2020 cup success and also delivers a historic milestone for head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who becomes the first American to win a major trophy in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Sociedad made a lightning start, taking the lead after just 14 seconds through Ander Barrenetxea, the fastest goal ever scored in a Copa del Rey final. Atlético responded in the 18th minute when Ademola Lookman finished clinically from a pass by Antoine Griezmann.
Just before halftime, Mikel Oyarzabal restored Sociedad’s lead from the penalty spot after a collision involving goalkeeper Juan Musso.
The Basque side looked set to seal victory until Álvarez struck late in regulation time to force extra time.
Despite Atlético pushing for a winner, neither side could find a breakthrough, sending the contest to penalties where Marrero’s early saves proved decisive.
Matarazzo’s impact has been remarkable, transforming Sociedad from relegation concerns in December into cup winners and a team now competing comfortably in the top half of LaLiga.
For Atlético, it was a bitter setback despite a spirited comeback. “The team did all it could to turn this around,” said captain Koke. “It is a difficult night.”
Attention now shifts to Europe, where Atlético will rely on Griezmann as they chase Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals, hoping to end the season with silverware after this painful defeat.
