Real Sociedad upset Atlético Madrid to win their fourth Copa del Rey title on Saturday, prevailing 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw following extra time in Seville.
Goalkeeper Unai Marrero was the hero for the Basque club, saving penalties from Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez before Pablo Marín converted the decisive spot-kick. Marrero said he had believed throughout the shootout that he could deliver victory.
The triumph ended Sociedad’s five-year wait for silverware after their 2020 Copa del Rey success. It also marked a historic milestone for head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who became the first American manager to win a major trophy in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Sociedad made a dream start when Ander Barrenetxea scored after just 14 seconds, the fastest goal in Copa del Rey final history. Atlético responded through Ademola Lookman in the 18th minute, but Mikel Oyarzabal restored Sociedad’s lead from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time.
Atlético forced extra time when Álvarez struck seven minutes from the end of normal time. Despite late pressure and several chances, Diego Simeone’s side failed to find a winner.
Marrero then delivered in the shootout, sealing a memorable victory for Sociedad and capping a remarkable turnaround under Matarazzo, who took charge in December with the club near the relegation zone.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
