Real Sociedad lifted the Copa del Rey trophy for the first time in 37 years after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Atlético Madrid following a 0-0 draw in extra time at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville on April 6, 2024.
The Basque club ended its long wait for silverware in Spain’s premier knockout competition, securing its second Copa del Rey title overall and first since the 1986-87 season. The triumph capped a remarkable run under head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who became the first American coach to win a major trophy in Spanish football.
Atlético Madrid, seeking a domestic double after clinching La Liga earlier in the season, entered the final as favorites but were unable to break down a resolute Real Sociedad defense throughout 120 minutes of play. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, the Colchoneros failed to convert, setting up a tense penalty shootout that would decide the winner.
The match began with both sides cautious, aware of the high stakes. Atlético controlled early possession but struggled to create clear openings against Real Sociedad’s compact 4-2-3-1 shape. The Basque side, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counter, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo posing constant threats down the flanks.
As the game progressed, Atlético increased pressure. Antoine Griezmann came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute, curling a effort just wide of the far post after a slick one-two with Rodrigo De Paul. Shortly after, Álvaro Morata forced a strong save from Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro, who parried the striker’s header behind for a corner.
Real Sociedad responded with a chance of their own just before halftime. Kubo found space on the right flank and delivered a low cross that Brais Méndez met at the near post, but his effort was blocked by Atlético’s Robin Le Normand, who scrambled the ball clear for a throw-in.
The second half saw Atlético continue to press for an opener. Griezmann tested Remiro again in the 55th minute with a low drive from the edge of the box, but the goalkeeper was equal to it, pushing the ball wide. Morata had another opportunity shortly after, latching onto a through-ball from Marcos Llorente, but his shot lacked power and was comfortably gathered by Remiro.
As regulation time waned, both teams showed signs of fatigue. Atlético introduced Ángel Correa and Samuel Lino in search of fresh impetus, while Real Sociedad brought on Mikel Merino and Zubimendi to shore up midfield. Neither side could find the breakthrough, and the match headed into extra time level at 0-0.
Extra time began with Atlético pushing hard for a winner. Griezmann came close again in the 98th minute, heading a corner kick just over the bar after a well-worked routine. Two minutes later, Llorente unleashed a powerful shot from distance that forced Remiro into a full-stretch save to his left.
Real Sociedad, though defending deeply, looked to strike on the break. In the 105th minute, Oyarzabal played a clever one-two with Kubo before shooting from the edge of the box, but his effort was blocked by Atlético’s César Azpilicueta. The rebound fell to Méndez, whose follow-up attempt was deflected wide for a corner.
Neither side managed to find a winner in the additional 30 minutes, sending the match to a penalty shootout. The tension was palpable as both teams prepared for the decisive kicks.
Atlético Madrid took the first penalty, with Griezmann stepping up calmly to send Remiro the wrong way and score low to the left. Real Sociedad’s Oyarzabal responded coolly, placing his kick to the opposite corner to build it 1-1.
Morata then stepped up for Atlético but saw his effort saved by Remiro, who guessed correctly and pushed the ball away with his left hand. Méndez followed for Real Sociedad and restored parity with a composed finish to the right, making it 2-2.
De Paul converted for Atlético to make it 3-2, but Kubo kept Real Sociedad level with a precise penalty into the top corner. Correa then scored for Atlético to make it 4-3, putting pressure on Real Sociedad’s final taker.
All eyes turned to Martín Zubimendi, the young Basque midfielder who had been instrumental throughout the tournament. He stepped up with confidence, drilling his penalty high and central into the net to make it 4-4 and force sudden death.
In sudden death, Atlético’s Azpilicueta stepped up first. His effort was saved by Remiro, who guessed correctly and pushed the ball to his right. With the chance to win the trophy, Oyarzabal stepped up for Real Sociedad. He remained composed, placing his kick to the left of the net as goalkeeper Jan Oblak guessed the wrong way, securing a 5-4 victory in the shootout and a 4-3 win on penalties overall.
The scenes that followed were emotional. Players and staff flooded the pitch in celebration, with Oyarzabal collapsing to his knees in joy. Matarazzo was mobbed by his players, becoming the first American coach to win a major trophy in Spanish football history. The victory was particularly poignant for the Basque club, ending a 37-year wait for Copa del Rey glory.
For Atlético Madrid, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow after securing La Liga just days earlier. The double had been within reach, but penalties ultimately denied them a historic season. Coach Diego Simeone acknowledged his team’s effort but lamented the missed opportunities in open play.
Statistically, Atlético dominated possession with 61% compared to Real Sociedad’s 39%, and outshot their opponents 18 to 8. However, Real Sociedad proved more efficient in their chances and proved resilient in defense, with Remiro making five crucial saves throughout the match and shootout.
The victory earns Real Sociedad automatic qualification for the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League group stage, as they had already secured a Champions League spot via their La Liga finish. For Atlético, the focus now shifts to preparing for the UEFA Champions League semifinal against Borussia Dortmund, with the first leg scheduled for April 30, 2024.
Real Sociedad will initiate their Europa League campaign in the group stage, with the draw scheduled for August 30, 2024. The club will also look to build on this momentum as they aim to challenge for further honors next season under Matarazzo’s leadership.
This Copa del Rey triumph stands as a landmark moment in Real Sociedad’s recent history, validating years of steady progress and smart recruitment. For Matarazzo, it represents the pinnacle of a coaching journey that began in the lower leagues of German football before taking him to the Bundesliga and now to the summit of Spanish football.
As the celebrations continued long into the night in Seville, one thing was clear: Real Sociedad had earned their place in Spanish football history once again.
Want to share your thoughts on this historic Copa del Rey final? Join the conversation below and let us know what you thought of the match, the penalty shootout, and what this victory means for Real Sociedad moving forward.
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