Real Sociedad Wins Copa del Rey as Atlético Stars Falter in Penalty Shootout
Real Sociedad lifted the Copa del Rey trophy after a nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory over Atlético Madrid, sealing a 5-4 win from the spot following a 1-1 draw after extra time at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville. The triumph marked the Basque club’s first major domestic trophy since 2020 and denied Atlético a historic double after their La Liga title challenge fell short.
The match, played on April 6, 2025, began with Atlético asserting early dominance, but it was Real Sociedad who struck first through a moment of individual brilliance. In the 23rd minute, Mikel Oyarzabal cut inside from the left flank and unleashed a low drive past Jan Oblak, sending the Basque contingent into raptures. The goal stood as a testament to Oyarzabal’s composure under pressure, his eighth goal in Copa del Rey competition this season.
Atlético responded with renewed urgency, and their persistence paid off just before halftime. Antoine Griezmann, the former Barcelona and France international, equalized in the 42nd minute with a clever finish after a swift counterattack initiated by Rodrigo De Paul. Griezmann’s goal — his 15th in all competitions this season — silenced the growing Real Sociedad momentum and set the stage for a tense second half.
Despite creating several chances in the second half, neither side could break the deadlock. Atlético’s Julián Álvarez had a golden opportunity in the 68th minute when he broke through one-on-one with goalkeeper Álex Remiro, but his effort was saved low to the keeper’s right. Shortly after, Real Sociedad’s Brais Méndez saw a curling effort from the edge of the box crash off the crossbar, leaving both sets of fans on edge.
Extra time produced no further goals, despite both teams pushing for a winner. Atlético’s Rodrigo De Paul came closest in the 105th minute with a powerful header from a corner that Remiro tipped onto the post. The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where nerves ultimately decided the outcome.
In the shootout, Atlético’s usually reliable stars faltered under pressure. Antoine Griezmann, who had scored the equalizer, saw his first penalty saved low to his left by Remiro. Shortly after, Julián Álvarez — Atlético’s summer signing from Manchester City — had his effort pushed wide by the goalkeeper, putting Real Sociedad ahead 2-0 after two rounds. Álvaro Morata stepped up next for Atlético and converted calmly, but Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal responded with a composed finish to make it 3-1.
The turning point came in the fourth round when Atlético’s Marcos Llorente, typically a reliable penalty taker, saw his effort saved by Remiro, who guessed correctly to his left. Real Sociedad’s Zubimendi then scored to make it 4-2, effectively ending the contest. Although Atlético’s Koke converted his attempt and Real Sociedad’s Merqueloz missed, the deficit proved insurmountable. Álvaro Morata scored again for Atlético in the sixth round, but Oyarzabal held his nerve to slot home the decisive fifth penalty, securing a 5-4 victory.
Álex Remiro emerged as the shootout hero, saving two penalties and commanding his area with authority throughout extra time. His performance earned him the man of the match award, a rare accolade for a goalkeeper in a final. Speaking after the match, Remiro credited his preparation: “We studied their tendencies. Griezmann usually goes left, Álvarez tends to lift it — we were ready.”
For Atlético, the loss was a bitter pill, particularly given their strong season under manager Diego Simeone. The club had hoped to secure a domestic double after winning La Liga earlier in the season, but a late-season dip in form left them chasing Europa League qualification instead. Simeone acknowledged the defeat graciously: “We gave everything, but Real Sociedad were better in the moments that mattered. Credit to them — they deserved it.”
Real Sociedad’s victory capped a remarkable season under head coach Imanol Alguacil, who has now won three major trophies with the club: two Copa del Rey titles (2020, 2025) and one Supercopa de España (2023). The win also secured their qualification for the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League group stage, ensuring European competition next season regardless of their La Liga finish.
The atmosphere at Estadio La Cartuja was electric, with approximately 57,000 fans in attendance — a near-capacity crowd for the historic venue. Sevilla’s mild spring evening, with temperatures around 22°C (72°F), provided ideal conditions for a high-stakes final. The match was officiated by Jesús Gil Manzano, who managed a physically intense contest without issuing a single red card, though six yellow cards were shown overall.
Looking ahead, Atlético Madrid will turn their focus to securing a Champions League spot for next season, currently sitting third in La Liga with four matches remaining. Their next fixture is a home clash against Villarreal on April 12, 2025. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, will host Mallorca in La Liga on April 13 before preparing for their Europa League campaign, which begins in September.
This Copa del Rey final will be remembered not only for its drama but also for the stark contrast in penalty composure between the two sides. While Atlético’s star-studded lineup faltered when it mattered most, Real Sociedad’s collective resolve and goalkeeping excellence carried them to glory. For the Basque club, it was a vindication of their patient, cohesive project — one that continues to yield silverware against the odds.
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