The Copa del Rey final in Seville has concluded, proving to be a real test for both teams. Real Sociedad claimed victory over Atlético Madrid only after a penalty shootout, with the Basques showing greater accuracy. Regular and extra time ended 2-2, and the fate of the trophy was decided by the goalkeeper’s confident play and the composure of the penalty takers.
Early pressure and a quick goal
From the opening seconds, the final set a high tempo: just 14 seconds in, Barrenetxea opened the scoring after a fast attack and a precise pass from Gonçalo Guedes. Defensive errors by Atlético allowed the Basques to take the lead almost unopposed. However, Madrid quickly recovered: in the 18th minute, Lookman equalised, taking advantage of a pass from Griezmann and beating the Real Sociedad goalkeeper with an accurate left-footed shot.
By the end of the first half, the tension kept rising. In the 43rd minute, after Atlético goalkeeper Musso’s unsuccessful challenge against Guedes, a penalty was awarded. Oyarzabal confidently converted from the spot, putting his team ahead once again. The first half was marked by attacking mistakes and high intensity, with the Basques heading into the break with a narrow lead.
Atlético’s pressure and an equalising goal
In the second half, Atlético Madrid completely took control, dominating possession and forcing their opponent to defend. With 64% possession, Simeone’s team created chances and gradually pressed Real Sociedad back toward their own goal. Both coaches actively made substitutions to inject freshness and try to change the course of the game.
In the 83rd minute, Atlético’s pressure paid off: Julián Álvarez equalized with a powerful left-footed shot, leaving the goalkeeper no chance. In the closing moments of regular time, the Madrid side could have snatched victory but missed several dangerous opportunities. Álex Baena came especially close to scoring, and in stoppage time, Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper made a key save in a one-on-one situation.
Extra time and penalty shootout
In extra time, both teams played cautiously, avoiding unnecessary risks. The most dangerous moment belonged to Atlético, when Julián Álvarez hit the crossbar. The score remained unchanged until the final whistle, and the outcome of the trophy was decided by a penalty shootout.
The hero of the shootout was Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper Unai Marrero, who saved the first two shots from Sørloth and Julián Álvarez. The Basques converted their attempts more confidently, and Pablo Marín scored the decisive penalty to seal a 4:3 victory in the shootout. For Real Sociedad, this marked their fourth Copa del Rey triumph in club history.
Final: context and atmosphere
The final in Seville drew thousands of fans and became one of the most talked-about events of the season. The atmosphere around La Cartuja stadium was tense not only on the field: fans of both teams faced heightened security measures and strict entry controls, which only added to the emotions of the evening.
Real Sociedad had previously won the Copa del Rey in 1909, 1987, and 2020 (the 2020 final was also held at La Cartuja stadium). The 2026 victory cemented the club’s status as one of the most consistent contenders in recent Spanish cup competitions.
