Sports
Real Sociedad Beat Atletico Madrid to Clinch Copa del Rey Title
Real Sociedad edged out Atletico Madrid on penalties to win the Copa del Rey, securing their third title in dramatic fashion after a pulsating 2-2 draw.
The final, played on April 19, 2026, delivered instant excitement as Sociedad struck just 14 seconds into the game. Ander Barrenetxea opened the scoring, finishing off an early move initiated by Gonçalo Guedes.
Atletico responded strongly, with Ademola Lookman leveling the score thanks to an assist from Antoine Griezmann. However, Sociedad regained the lead before halftime when captain Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted a penalty after a foul involving Juan Musso.
The second half saw Atletico push for an equalizer, which eventually came through Julián Álvarez. The forward unleashed a stunning strike from 18 yards into the top corner, making it 2-2 and sending the contest into extra time.
Despite both sides creating chances, the additional 30 minutes failed to produce a winner, forcing the final into a penalty shootout.
Atletico’s hopes quickly faded as Alexander Sørloth and Álvarez both missed their opening kicks, denied by Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero, who delivered two crucial saves.
Real Sociedad held their nerve from the spot to seal victory, ending a six-year wait for silverware. The triumph also marks a historic 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.
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