Real Sociedad Celebrate Fourth Copa del Rey Title as San Sebastián Floods with Fans
San Sebastián erupted in joy on Monday as Real Sociedad celebrated their fourth Copa del Rey triumph, with an estimated 100,000 fans filling the city’s streets and plazas to honor the team’s hard-fought victory over Atlético Madrid. The celebration came two days after the Txuri Urdin clinched the trophy in Sevilla via a dramatic penalty shootout, ending a three-year wait for a major trophy that had been delayed by pandemic restrictions in 2021.
The festivities began late Monday afternoon when club captain Mikel Oyarzabal and president Jokin Aperribay arrived at San Sebastián’s City Hall carrying the Copa del Rey. Their arrival marked the culmination of a vibrant kalejira — the Basque term for a festive parade — that had wound its way from the Reale Arena through the heart of the city earlier in the day. Fans lined the routes, waving white and blue flags and singing club anthems as the open-top bus carrying the trophy and players made its slow progress.
Upon reaching the Ayuntamiento, Oyarzabal took to the microphone on the balcony amid a sea of supporters gathered in the Jardines de Alderdi Eder. His words carried deep emotion, referencing both the absence of fans during the 2021 celebration and the memory of Aitor Zabaleta, the Real Sociedad supporter tragically killed by an Atlético Madrid ultra in 1998.
“Hace cinco años no pudimos celebrarlo con vosotros. Por los que estamos y por los que no están… gracias.”
— Mikel Oyarzabal, Real Sociedad captain
The moment was steeped in symbolism. Before Oyarzabal spoke, a traditional aurresku — a Basque dance of honor — was performed, witnessed by San Sebastián’s mayor Jon Insausti and Basque Country lehendakari Imanol Pradales. The gesture underscored the cultural weight of the victory, not just as a sporting achievement but as a communal moment of healing and pride.
Head coach Rino Matarazzo, in his first season in charge, also addressed the crowd, delivering a speech in Euskara that drew attention for his distinctive New Jersey-accented delivery. The American coach has been widely credited with transforming a squad that showed signs of fatigue and inconsistency earlier in the season into a resilient, trophy-winning unit.
“Espero que esto no sea más que el inicio,” Matarazzo said, signaling ambitions beyond the cup triumph. His words reflected a growing belief within the club that this victory could serve as a springboard for sustained success, particularly in La Liga, where Real Sociedad currently sit in contention for a Champions League spot.
The celebration featured other memorable moments: MVP Unai Marrero sharing reflections on the final, and striker Orri Óskarsson delighting fans by singing his now-famous chant, “Por la mañana café, por la tarde ron, llévame a Sevilla Orri Óskarsson,” a playful nod to the team’s journey to Sevilla and their penalty shootout victory.
Throughout the evening, the atmosphere remained jubilant yet orderly. Aritz Elustondo served as master of ceremonies, guiding the players as they passed individually before the fans to acknowledge their support. Brief pauses occurred for medical attention among the crowd — a reminder of the scale of the gathering — but did not dampen the prevailing spirit of unity and joy.
As night fell, the festivities extended beyond land. A flotilla of boats decorated in the club’s colors gathered in the Bay of La Concha, mirroring the sea of white and blue that had flooded the streets. The image evoked the club’s historical roots, with organizers noting that Real Sociedad’s first Copa del Rey in 1909 was won under the name Club Ciclista de San Sebastián.
Now, with the celebrations winding down, attention turns to the league campaign. Real Sociedad have six La Liga matches remaining and are actively pursuing a direct qualification spot for the UEFA Champions League. Currently positioned in the top six, a strong finish could secure European football’s elite tier for next season — a goal that contrasts sharply with the immediate concerns of their Basque rivals.
Athletic Club, who also held organizational meetings on Monday, face a incredibly different reality. The Lions announced the re-election of Jon Uriarte as president but confirmed they have yet to settle on a successor to Ernesto Valverde as head coach. Their focus remains on avoiding relegation, with survival in La Liga their paramount objective as the season enters its final stretch.
The Copa del Rey victory adds to Real Sociedad’s growing legacy in Spanish football. Their fourth title places them among the more decorated clubs in the competition’s history, though still behind giants like Barcelona and Athletic Club. Yet for a squad that has often been viewed as a consistent but not always trophy-laden force, this win represents a validation of progress under Matarazzo’s leadership.
Oyarzabal’s role as both captain and talisman was pivotal throughout the knockout stages. His composed penalty in the final shootout against Atlético Madrid not only secured the trophy but reinforced his status as a leader capable of delivering in high-pressure moments — a trait that will be vital as Spain prepares for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, where he is expected to start as the nation’s primary striker.
For now, however, the focus remains on celebration. The images from San Sebastián — of packed plazas, singing fans, and players sharing the moment with generations of supporters — will endure as a testament to what football can signify when it connects deeply with its community.
What’s next for Real Sociedad? Their next La Liga fixture is away to Villarreal on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 4:00 PM CEST (2:00 PM UTC). A win would keep their Champions League hopes alive as they aim to build on the momentum of this historic cup triumph.
Did this moment capture the joy and significance of Real Sociedad’s victory? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and spread the word to fellow fans who believe in the power of football to unite and inspire.
