Real Sociedad Upsets Atlético Madrid on Penalties to Claim Copa del Rey Title

Real Sociedad has clinched its fourth Copa del Rey title, triumphing over Atlético Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout after a hard-fought 2-2 draw that extended into extra time. The final, held in Seville, saw Sociedad's goalkeeper Unai Marrero emerge as a hero with crucial saves against Atlético's strikers, setting the stage for Pablo Marín to score the decisive penalty. This victory is not only a significant achievement for the club but also a historic moment for its New Jersey-born head coach, Pellegrino Matarazzo, who becomes the first American coach to secure a major trophy in one of Europe's top five leagues.

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Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero’s saves from Atlético strikers Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez to start the shootout proved decisive, before Pablo Marín struck the winning penalty into the roof of the net.

The match itself was a thrilling contest from the outset. Sociedad took an astonishing lead just 14 seconds into the game with a header from Ander Barrenetxea, the fastest goal ever recorded in a Copa del Rey final. Atlético, however, fought back, with Ademola Lookman equalizing in the 18th minute. Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty in first-half stoppage time seemed to put Sociedad in a commanding position, but Atlético's Julián Álvarez found the net seven minutes before the end of regulation time, forcing the match into extra periods.

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The win gave the team from San Sebastian its first trophy since winning the Copa del Rey in 2020.

Despite Atlético's efforts, including several missed chances and strong saves from Musso in extra time, Sociedad held firm. The penalty shootout ultimately decided the winner, with Marrero's saves proving pivotal. This win marks Real Sociedad's first major trophy since their previous Copa del Rey triumph in 2020, bringing silverware back to San Sebastian and validating the club's strategic direction under Matarazzo. The team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure were on full display, capping off a memorable campaign.

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It also meant that its New Jersey-born head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo becomes the first coach from the United States to win a major trophy in one of Europe’s big five leagues.