Real Sociedad lifted the Copa del Rey trophy for the first time in 37 years, defeating Atlético Madrid 1-0 in a tense final at Sevilla’s Estadio de La Cartuja on April 6, 2024. The victory ended a long wait for the Basque club and added another layer of heartbreak to Atlético Madrid’s ongoing struggle to break their national title drought.
The lone goal came in the 32nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty after Robin Le Normand was brought down by César Azpilicueta inside the box. Oyarzabal calmly dispatched the spot-kick past Jan Oblak, sending the Real Sociedad supporters into celebration. The goal proved decisive as both sides created chances, but neither could find a second.
Atlético Madrid dominated possession and created several opportunities, particularly in the second half. Antoine Griezmann came closest to equalizing in the 68th minute, heading a corner kick just wide of the far post. Memphis Depay also tested Real Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro with a low drive from the edge of the box, but the shot was saved comfortably.
Real Sociedad, under head coach Imanol Alguacil, defended resolutely and looked dangerous on the counter. Takefusa Kubo and Brais Méndez caused problems down the flanks, while Martín Zubimendi anchored the midfield with composure. The Basque side’s disciplined shape frustrated Atlético’s attempts to break through, especially in the final third.
The match was played in front of approximately 57,000 spectators at La Cartuja, a neutral venue traditionally used for the Copa del Rey final. Kickoff occurred at 22:00 local time (20:00 UTC), consistent with recent scheduling for the showpiece event. Weather conditions were clear and mild, with temperatures around 18°C (64°F), ideal for football.
For Real Sociedad, the triumph marks their first major domestic trophy since winning the 1987 Copa del Rey. It ends a 37-year wait and validates a sustained period of growth under Alguacil, who has guided the club to consistent European qualification and two sixth-place La Liga finishes in the past three seasons. The win also secures a place in the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League group stage.
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, extends its wait for a major national title to 10 years. The club’s last such triumph came in the 2013-14 La Liga season under Diego Simeone. Since then, they have reached three Copa del Rey finals (2016, 2019, 2024) and lost all, adding to the growing narrative of near-misses under the Argentine coach.
The loss continues a difficult personal chapter for Antoine Griezmann, who has now appeared in four major national finals with Atlético Madrid and lost each: the 2016 UEFA Champions League final, the 2020 and 2024 Copa del Rey finals, and the 2021 Supercopa de España. Despite his individual excellence — including being Atlético’s all-time leading scorer — the collective trophy has remained elusive.
Post-match, Alguacil praised his team’s resilience and tactical discipline. “We knew it would be tough against a team like Atlético,” he said. “But we believed in our plan, we suffered together, and we deserved this. This represents for everyone who has believed in this project over the years.”
Simeone, typically reserved in defeat, acknowledged his team’s shortcomings in the final third. “We created chances, we had the ball, but we didn’t finish,” he said. “Credit to Real Sociedad — they defended well and took their moment. We will learn and come back stronger.”
The result adds context to Atlético Madrid’s broader seasonal trajectory. While they remain in contention for a Champions League spot in La Liga — currently sitting third as of mid-April — the cup final loss represents a missed opportunity to salvage silverware in a transition year. Several key players, including João Félix and Axel Witsel, are expected to depart in the summer, signaling a potential rebuild.
Real Sociedad, conversely, enters a period of heightened optimism. With a young core featuring Zubimendi, Óskarsson, and Jon Pacheco, combined with experienced heads like Oyarzabal and Le Normand, the club is positioned to build on this success. The Copa del Rey triumph could serve as a catalyst for pushing higher in La Liga and making deeper European runs.
Looking ahead, Real Sociedad will focus on securing a Champions League qualification spot in La Liga, currently sitting fifth with four matches remaining. Atlético Madrid faces Sevilla on April 21 in a crucial league clash that could impact their top-four aspirations. Both teams will resume La Liga action following the international break.
This Copa del Rey final will be remembered not only for Real Sociedad’s long-awaited joy but also for the symbolic weight it carried for Atlético Madrid — a club that continues to compete at the highest level yet struggles to convert consistency into trophies on the domestic stage.
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