Real Sociedad win Copa del Rey title, defeating Atlético Madrid in penalty shootout

Real Sociedad clinched the Copa del Rey title after defeating Atletico Madrid on penalties in a dramatic final that ended 2-2 after extra time.

The match exploded into life almost immediately, with Ander Barrenetxea giving Sociedad the lead just 14 seconds into the game, finishing off an early attacking move involving Gonçalo Guedes.

Atletico responded through Ademola Lookman, who fired home a well-taken equaliser after being set up by Antoine Griezmann. But Sociedad regained the advantage before half-time when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot following a foul involving goalkeeper Juan Musso.

The contest remained finely balanced, and Atletico drew level again in the second half as Julián Álvarez struck from distance to make it 2-2, sending the final into extra time.

With neither side able to find a winner after an additional 30 minutes, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. Atletico faltered early, missing their first two spot-kicks through Alexander Sørloth and Álvarez, while Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero produced crucial saves to swing the contest.

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The victory secures Sociedad’s third Copa del Rey title and ends a six-year wait for silverware. It also marks a milestone for head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who becomes the first U.S.-born manager to win a major trophy in Europe’s top five leagues.