Real Sociedad claimed their fourth Copa del Rey title after defeating Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw at Seville's La Cartuja stadium. Goalkeeper Unai Marrero emerged as the hero, saving spot kicks from Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez in the decisive shootout.
The Basque side stunned Atletico from the opening seconds. After just 14 seconds, Ander Barrenetxea rose above his marker to head home a cross from Goncalo Guedes, marking the fastest goal in Copa del Rey final history.
Atletico responded through Ademola Lookman in the 19th minute, who collected a pass from Antoine Griezmann and fired a precise low strike into the far corner. The match swung back to Real Sociedad before halftime when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot after Guedes was fouled in the box.
With seven minutes remaining in regulation, Julian Alvarez leveled the score for Atletico, forcing extra time in what had become a captivating final. Neither side could find a winner in the additional 30 minutes, setting up the penalty drama that would decide the trophy.
The shootout began disastrously for Diego Simeone's side. Marrero dove to his right to deny Sorloth's opening penalty, then repeated the feat by stopping Alvarez's attempt. Though Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso saved from Orri Oskarsson to keep his team's hopes alive, Pablo Marin held his nerve to convert the winning penalty.
Al Jazeera frames the story as a classic underdog triumph, emphasizing Real Sociedad's ability to overcome Atletico's Champions League momentum. Their coverage highlights the emotional significance for Basque fans who missed celebrating the 2021 victory due to COVID restrictions, positioning this as a moment of regional catharsis.
CNA presents a straightforward sports narrative focused on the technical aspects of the penalty shootout and match statistics. Their coverage emphasizes the goalkeeper's heroics and historical parallels, treating the story as a compelling sporting drama without deeper cultural or political context.
Spanish media frames the victory through intense regional pride and historical significance, emphasizing the 38-year gap since these teams last met in a final. Their coverage celebrates the Basque triumph while highlighting Atletico's missed opportunity, reflecting Spain's complex regional sporting identities and the cultural weight of Copa del Rey victories.
I tried to clear my mind. Calm and serene. Real is my life. I've lived here since I was a child. This is the greatest thing I could ever dream of – winning a title with the team of my life.
Pablo Marin, Real Sociedad midfielder — RTVE
The victory marks Real Sociedad's first Copa del Rey triumph since 2021, when they defeated Athletic Bilbao in a delayed 2020 final played without spectators due to COVID-19 restrictions. This time, thousands of Basque supporters packed behind the goal to witness their team's triumph.
For Atletico Madrid, the defeat extends their Copa del Rey drought to over a decade, with their last triumph coming in 2013. The loss comes despite reaching the Champions League semifinals this season, where they eliminated Barcelona.
The final repeated history from 1987, when these same teams met in the Copa del Rey final. That match also ended 2-2 before Real Sociedad prevailed on penalties, making Saturday's result a remarkable echo of their previous encounter nearly four decades ago.
Real Sociedad, managed by American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, overcame the disappointment of twice surrendering leads to claim the trophy. The victory triggers celebrations across the Basque region, with the team scheduled to return to San Sebastian on Sunday before a civic reception on Monday.