Seville’s La Cartuja Stadium once again turned into a sea of blue and white as Real Sociedad secured a dramatic Copa del Rey final victory over Atlético Madrid, claiming their second trophy in five years with a 1-0 win that echoed their 2020 triumph over Athletic Bilbao.
The San Sebastián-based side lifted the Copa del Rey for the first time since 2020, defeating a determined Atlético Madrid side 1-0 in front of over 57,000 passionate supporters at the historic Andalusian venue. Mikel Oyarzabal’s second-half penalty proved decisive, converting after Robin Le Normand was brought down in the box by Atlético’s César Azpilicueta.
The victory completed a remarkable cup run for Imanol Alguacil’s men, who had earlier eliminated Barcelona in the semifinals and navigated past tough ties against Villarreal and Osasuna. For Atlético, it marked another painful near-miss in a season where silverware has remained elusive despite strong league form.
A Familiar Stage, A Renewed Legacy
La Cartuja has become something of a fortunate fortress for Real Sociedad in recent Copa del Rey history. Their 2020 triumph over Athletic Bilbao also came in Seville, and returning to the same venue five years later felt symbolic for a squad aiming to reestablish itself among Spain’s elite.
The atmosphere was electric from the outset, with thousands of txuri-urdin fans making the journey north to south, transforming sections of the stadium into a vibrant Basque enclave. Chants of “Aupa Real!” echoed across the pitch even before kickoff, setting the tone for a fiercely contested encounter.
Atlético Madrid, under Diego Simeone, entered the match as slight favorites having won La Liga’s winter break leaders and boasting one of Europe’s stingiest defenses. But Real Sociedad’s disciplined structure and patient build-up play gradually nullified the visitors’ threat.
The Moment That Decided It
The breakthrough arrived in the 57th minute when Le Normand rose to meet a corner from Mikel Merino, only to be fouled by Azpilicueta as he attempted to redirect the ball toward goal. Referee Jesús Gil Manzano pointed to the spot without hesitation after a brief VAR check confirmed the infringement.
Oyarzabal, the team’s captain and talisman, stepped up with characteristic composure. He sent Jan Oblak the wrong way, drilling the penalty low to the goalkeeper’s left to spark wild celebrations among the Real Sociedad contingent.
It was Oyarzabal’s third goal of the tournament and a fitting reward for a player who has consistently delivered in high-pressure moments for the Basque side. His leadership throughout the campaign has been instrumental, both on and off the pitch.
Atlético’s Frustration Builds
Despite dominating possession for large stretches, Atlético struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Real Sociedad back five. Antoine Griezmann came closest in the first half, curling a effort just wide of the far post after a slick one-two with Rodrigo de Paul.
Simeone made attacking substitutions late on, introducing Ángel Correa and Samu Omorodion in search of an equalizer, but the visitors lacked the final spark needed to breach Alex Remiro’s goal. The Sociedad goalkeeper made several key interventions, including a smart save to deny Pablo Barrios late in the second half.
The result leaves Atlético Madrid without a major trophy since their 2021 La Liga triumph, extending a frustrating run despite consistent top-four finishes. For Simeone, it raises questions about the team’s ability to convert dominance into silverware in knockout formats.
Tactical Discipline Overwhelms Star Power
Alguacil’s game plan centered on compactness and quick transitions, frustrating Atlético’s attempts to play through the middle. Merino and Zubimendi formed an imposing double pivot, shielding the defense while recycling possession efficiently.
Wide play was minimized, with Sociedad inviting Atlético wide before squeezing space and forcing backwards or sideways passes. When they won the ball, vertical passes to Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo exploited the gaps left by Atlético’s high defensive line.
The approach mirrored their 2020 final performance, where similar restraint and precision led to victory over Athletic Bilbao. It underscores Alguacil’s evolution as a tactician capable of balancing defensive solidity with opportunistic attacking intent.
Historical Context and Significance
This victory marks Real Sociedad’s fourth Copa del Rey title in club history, joining wins in 1909, 1987, and 2020. It also makes them the first team since Barcelona (2015–2017) to reach three consecutive Copa del Rey finals, having lost to Valencia in 2019 before back-to-back wins.
For the Basque Country, the triumph carries added cultural resonance. Success in Spain’s oldest knockout competition remains a point of regional pride, particularly when achieved against football’s traditional powerhouses.
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, remains one of the most successful clubs never to have won the Copa del Rey in the 21st century, despite reaching four finals since 2010. Their last appearance in the final prior to this was a 4-2 loss to Barcelona in 2020.
What’s Next for Both Sides
Real Sociedad will now turn their full attention to La Liga, where they currently sit in fifth place, just four points behind fourth-placed Villarreal and a Champions League spot. Their next league fixture is away at Mallorca on May 18.
Atlético Madrid face a critical run-in as well, sitting second in La Liga behind leaders Barcelona. With the title race tightening, their next match is a home clash against Sevilla on May 19 — a game that could significantly influence the final standings.
Both teams will also begin pre-season preparations soon, with Sociedad aiming to build on this cup momentum and Atlético seeking to address the lingering question of knockout-stage consistency.
As the celebrations continued long into the Sevillian night, the sight of Oyarzabal lifting the Copa del Rey trophy beneath the La Cartuja lights served as a poignant reminder: sometimes, the sweetest victories are the ones that feel familiar.
What did you think of Real Sociedad’s tactical approach in the final? Share your seize below and join the conversation.
