Real Sociedad lifted the Copa del Rey trophy after a tense penalty shootout victory over Atlético Madrid in Seville, denying Antoine Griezmann a sentimental farewell triumph in what was widely billed as his final appearance for the Colchoneros.
The Basque side held firm after a goalless 120 minutes at the Estadio de La Cartuja, converting four of their five spot-kicks to edge out a 4-2 win in the shootout. Atlético’s Mario Hermoso and Ángel Correa saw their efforts saved by Real Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro, who emerged as the unlikely hero of the night.
Griezmann, who announced earlier this week that he would exit Atlético at the end of the season, came on as a second-half substitute but failed to find the net in what turned out to be his last cup final for the club. The French forward, Atlético’s all-time leading scorer in official competitions, had hoped to cap his second stint with a trophy but was left to watch from close range as his former teammates fell short.
The match itself was a tactical stalemate for much of the regulation period. Atlético dominated possession and created the clearer chances, particularly through Julián Álvarez and Rodrigo de Paul, but were repeatedly thwarted by a disciplined Real Sociedad defense marshaled by Igor Zubeldia and Aihen Muñoz. The Basque side, meanwhile, relied on quick transitions and the industry of Mikel Oyarzabal, who came closest to breaking the deadlock with a first-half effort that rattled the post.
After a scoreless 90 minutes, extra time offered little in the way of breakthroughs. Both sides showed signs of fatigue, and the game descended into a series of tactical fouls and midfield battles. Atlético pushed for a winner in the final 15 minutes, with Griezmann involved in several attacking moves, but Remiro and his backline held firm.
When the referee finally blew for penalties, the atmosphere in the Seville stadium turned icy. Real Sociedad’s first four takers — Oyarzabal, Zubimendi, Merqueluz, and Pacheco — all converted calmly. Atlético’s response began promisingly with Pablo Barrios scoring low to the keeper’s left, but Hermoso’s effort was parried by Remiro to his right. Correa’s subsequent attempt was similarly saved, diving low to his left, sealing the victory for the visitors.
The win marks Real Sociedad’s first Copa del Rey triumph since 1987, ending a 37-year wait for the club’s second major trophy in its history. It also denies Atlético Madrid a potential double, having already secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League via their La Liga finish.
For Griezmann, the result adds a bitter note to an otherwise decorated departure. The 33-year-old forward leaves Atlético having won the Europa League in 2018, the Super Cup that same year, and consistently ranked among the league’s top scorers over his two spells. His exit will be felt not just for his goals but for his leadership and connection with the Metropolitano faithful.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, can now glance ahead to a historic season-ending push. With a Copa del Rey title in hand and a sixth-place La Liga finish securing Europa League football, the Basque club has achieved a rare domestic cup double-season feat, last accomplished in the 1980s.
The victory also underscores the growing competitiveness of teams outside Spain’s traditional elite. Real Sociedad, under head coach Imanol Alguacil, has become a model of sustainable success, blending academy talent with shrewd signings and a clear tactical identity built on pressing and positional discipline.
As the celebrations began in Seville, the focus for Atlético swiftly shifted to the future. Club officials confirmed that talks over a successor to Griezmann’s attacking role are already underway, with several names linked in recent weeks. For now, though, the priority is honoring the departing star in the final home match of the season against Mallorca.
Real Sociedad’s players and staff celebrated long into the night, knowing they had not only won a trophy but denied one of La Liga’s most beloved figures a perfect send-off. In the unpredictable theater of cup football, it was the Basques who held their nerve when it mattered most.
The next confirmed checkpoint for both clubs is the final La Liga matchday on May 25th, when Atlético hosts Mallorca and Real Sociedad travels to face Villarreal. Fans can follow official updates via the clubs’ websites and La Liga’s digital platforms.
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