Spanish football is once again in the spotlight after Real Sociedad (San Sebastián) secured a place in the Copa del Rey final. This event is significant for the entire country, as the Basque club has not only reaffirmed its strength but has also given fans hope for a new trophy. The victory over the main rival from Bilbao sparked discussions among experts and fans alike, while the absence of Arsen Zakharyan from the lineup raised many questions.
In the second leg of the semifinal, held in a tense atmosphere, Real Sociedad managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Athletic (Bilbao). The only goal came from a penalty in the 87th minute, with Mikel Oyarzabal confidently converting his chance. This result mirrored that of the first match, where the San Sebastián club also came out on top. According to TASS, both matches went by without the participation of Russian midfielder Arsen Zakharyan, who remained on the bench and did not appear on the field in either game.
Road to the final
The two matches between the Basque teams turned out to be a real test for both players and coaches. Both sides played cautiously, avoiding unnecessary risks, as a spot in the main match of the season was at stake. Real Sociedad managed to maintain their focus until the very end, and the decisive moment came when the referee awarded a penalty. Oyarzabal stayed composed and sent the ball into the net, sealing the outcome of the contest.
Zakharyan’s absence from the lineup sparked lively discussions among fans and experts alike. Many had expected to see the Russian player on the pitch, especially in light of his previous performances. However, the coaching staff opted for other players—a choice that paid off, as the team reached the final without conceding a single goal in two matches.
Final in Seville
Now Real Sociedad is preparing for a crucial match against Atlético Madrid. The Spanish Cup final will take place on April 18 in Seville, and interest in the event is already immense. For the San Sebastián club, this is a chance to claim a prestigious trophy and strengthen their position in Spanish football. At the same time, Atlético are determined to compete, as the cup victory is equally important for the Madrid side.
According to TASS, the upcoming final promises to be tense and unpredictable. Both teams are expected to field their best squads, and fans can look forward to a spectacular battle for the title. Whether Zakharyan will appear on the pitch in the decisive match remains uncertain, adding intrigue to the upcoming clash.
Context and related events
In recent years, the Spanish Cup has often delivered surprises. For example, in 2024, Betis unexpectedly knocked out one of the tournament favorites, and the final between Barcelona and Valencia ended with a dramatic penalty shootout. In 2025, Atlético reached the final but lost to Sevilla after a hard-fought match. Such games always attract great public interest and become a hot topic in the Spanish media. Every new final brings fresh excitement and proves that nothing is predictable in Spanish football.
