Seville’s Estadio de La Cartuja became a temporary outpost of the Basque Country on Saturday night as Real Sociedad lifted the Copa del Rey for the fourth time in their history, defeating Atlético Madrid 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in extra time. The victory marked a repeat of their 2021 triumph at the same venue, though this time with fans present to celebrate.
The match began with Atlético asserting early pressure, leveraging their physicality and high pressing to disrupt Real Sociedad’s build-up. In the 23rd minute, Antoine Griezmann pounced on a loose ball inside the box after a corner was only partially cleared, firing low past goalkeeper Álex Remiro to put the Colchoneros ahead. The goal sparked jubilation among the Atlético contingent in the stands, many of whom had traveled from Madrid for the final.
Real Sociedad responded with increased urgency, their midfield trio of Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and Brais Méndez beginning to dictate tempo. The equalizer came in the 38th minute when Merino intercepted a pass near the halfway line, advanced 30 yards, and slipped a through ball to Alexander Sørloth. The Norwegian striker, making his first start in a Copa final, calmly chipped the ball over Jan Oblak as the Atlético goalkeeper rushed out, sending the Basque supporters into raptures.
The second half saw both teams create chances but fail to break the deadlock. Atlético’s Rodrigo De Paul tested Remiro with a long-range effort in the 55th minute, even as Sørloth had a header saved by Oblak ten minutes later. As regulation time expired, the score remained level, forcing the match into extra time.
Extra time began with Atlético looking the more likely to win, pushing high and forcing Real Sociedad into their own half. In the 105th minute, Marcos Llorente drove forward from midfield, exchanged a quick pass with Griezmann, and fired a left-footed shot that Remiro parried — only for the rebound to fall to Álvaro Morata, who slammed it home to make it 2-1. The goal appeared to have sealed the win for Diego Simeone’s side.
But Real Sociedad refused to yield. In the 118th minute, a corner from the left was flicked on by Zubimendi at the near post, and Sørloth rose highest to power a header past Oblak, leveling the score at 2-2. The striker’s second goal of the night sent the Basque fans into delirium and set up a tense penalty shootout.
The shootout began with both teams scoring their first two kicks. Then, in the third round, Remiro produced the save of the match, diving to his left to stop Griezmann’s effort. Merino stepped up next and calmly placed his penalty into the bottom corner. Oblak saved Méndez’s attempt, but then Morata hit the post, leaving Real Sociedad needing only to score their fifth to win. Zubimendi did not miss, sending the ball down the middle to spark wild celebrations among the players and staff.
The win secured Real Sociedad’s fourth Copa del Rey title, adding to their victories in 1909, 1987, and 2020. It also denied Atlético Madrid a chance to win their first major trophy since the 2020-21 La Liga season and left them still searching for a maiden Champions League triumph.
For Real Sociedad, the triumph was a testament to their resilience and squad depth. Manager Imanol Alguacil, who has now won two Copa del Rey finals in three years, praised his team’s character. “We showed why we belong in these moments,” he said in the post-match interview. “To come back twice, especially after going down late in extra time, takes something special.”
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, will now turn their full attention to the Champions League, where they face Borussia Dortmund in the semifinals. Simeone acknowledged the disappointment but remained focused on the bigger picture. “We gave everything,” he said. “Now we reset and prepare for Dortmund. One step at a time.”
Attendance at La Cartuja was officially recorded at 52,312, with a significant portion made up of Real Sociedad fans who had traveled to Seville for the final. The atmosphere, particularly during the penalty shootout, was described by observers as electric, with the Basque contingent singing and chanting throughout the match.
Looking ahead, Real Sociedad will aim to carry this momentum into the final stretch of the La Liga season, where they currently sit in sixth place and are chasing a European spot. Atlético Madrid, second in the league, will gaze to close the gap on leaders Barcelona while preparing for their Champions League semifinal clash.
The Copa del Rey final once again proved to be a stage for drama and redemption, with Real Sociedad etching their name into the trophy’s history for the fourth time. For fans of the txuri-urdin, it was a night to remember — one they will be talking about for years to come.
As both teams return to league and European competition, the focus now shifts to what comes next. Real Sociedad host Villarreal in La Liga on Wednesday, while Atlético Madrid travel to face Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on April 30.
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