Match Report
Real Sociedad Triumph in Dramatic Shootout to Beat Atlético Madrid and Lift Copa del Rey
REAL SOCIEDAD WIN THE COPA DEL REY. Spanish Cup champions for the second time in six years.
April 18, 2026
175d agoReal Sociedad were crowned Copa del Rey champions after a dramatic and hard-fought victory over Atlético Madrid in a pulsating final that ended 2–2 before being decided on penalties. Played at the iconic Estadio de La Cartuja, the match delivered intensity, quality, and late drama, with Sociedad eventually triumphing 4–3 in the shootout to lift the trophy.
The game burst into life almost immediately, as Ander Barrenetxea stunned Atlético Madrid by scoring within seconds of kickoff. The early goal set the tone for a high-energy contest, putting Atlético on the back foot and giving Sociedad the perfect start in such a high-stakes encounter.
Atlético Madrid, however, responded with composure and determination. Their persistence paid off when Ademola Lookman found the equalizer, finishing off a well-worked attacking move to bring Diego Simeone’s side back into the contest. The equalizer restored balance, and both teams began to settle into a rhythm, exchanging attacks and testing each other’s defensive organization.
Just before halftime, Sociedad regained the lead through captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who calmly converted from the penalty spot. The goal gave Sociedad a crucial advantage heading into the break, but Atlético remained within reach, knowing one moment could shift the momentum once again.
The second half saw Atlético Madrid push forward with greater urgency, and their efforts were rewarded late in the game when Julián Álvarez struck to level the score at 2–2. With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the final moved into extra time, where fatigue began to show but the intensity never dropped.
Extra time failed to separate the two sides, leading to a tense penalty shootout. Sociedad held their nerve in the decisive moments, with goalkeeper Unai Marrero emerging as the hero after making crucial saves. His performance ensured a 4–3 shootout victory, sealing a memorable triumph for Real Sociedad and etching their name into Copa del Rey history once again.
Video
Tags
#real-sociedad#atlético-madrid#copadelrey#alvarez#ademola-lookman#diego-simeone
React to this story
Feature Your Player
GET YOUR PLAYER FEATURED ON TIPNGOAL
Reach sports fans across all our platforms. Send us your player profile and we'll feature it.
Comments
💬
No comments yet — be the first on the app!