Real Sociedad slipped past Atlético Madrid through a tense penalty duel, claiming the Copa del Rey trophy. This victory marked a standout moment for manager Pellegrini Matarazzo during his first year coaching in Spain. Though the regulation ended in a 2-2 draw, even stretching into overtime, it was Sociedad who stayed steady under pressure. Their composure lasted long enough to secure a 4-3 edge once kicks began. Each strike told its own story, some calm, others shaky, but only one team walked away with silverware.

Unai Marrero blocked penalties by Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez. Not long after, Pablo Marín stepped up, cool and steady, and tucked away the winning kick. The match crackled with tension right to its final breath, setting off wild scenes when it finally ended.

Fast start sets the tone for Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad struck first. Fourteen seconds in, Ander Barrenetxea scored, the quickest goal ever seen in a Copa del Rey final, per Opta data. The attack burst forward right from the start whistle. Atlético stood stunned, their tight backline suddenly full of holes.

A goal from Ademola Lookman brought Atlético level in the 19th minute, following a sharp exchange with Antoine Griezmann. Yet Sociedad edged ahead again before halftime, thanks to captain Mikel Oyarzabal slotting home a penalty after keeper Juan Musso clipped Gonçalo Guedes inside the area.

Also Read: Lionel Messi buys Spanish club UE Cornella in bold new move

Late drama and shootout heartbreak

Atlético found their rhythm again, tying the game at two apiece in the 83rd after Álvarez tucked away a slick passing sequence. Moments later, Madrid nearly snatched victory, one shot flew wide from just feet out, leaving Simeone pacing the edge of the pitch, hands on head. A sigh escaped him as the crowd roared into the night.

Minutes stretched longer, but added nerves instead of scores. A save here, then another - Musso making up for earlier errors when it counted most. The ball rattled off the post after Álvarez’s shot, close enough to taste. Neither team cracked through despite chances piling up. So they lined up, one by one, for kicks from the spot.

Out there, calmness made all the difference for Marrero. With quiet confidence, he stood firm when tested; meanwhile, Marín’s last kick settled the outcome. Looking back, Matarazzo described the run as something beyond belief, stepping in during December amid turmoil, then lifting a trophy before long.

Focusing on what comes next, Atlético turns its eyes toward the Champions League semifinals versus Arsenal. Though Koke called the loss tough to swallow, he made clear the squad won’t stay down for long. European hopes remain strong despite the setback.