Real Sociedad Lift Copa del Rey After Thrilling Penalty Shootout Victory
Real Sociedad secured only the fourth Copa del Rey title in their storied history with a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout triumph over Atlético Madrid, following an intense 2-2 draw after extra time at La Cartuja stadium in Seville. The victory was sealed by the unlikely heroics of backup goalkeeper Unai Marrero and substitute Pablo Marin, capping a remarkable cup run that included three derbies and two penalty shootouts.
Marrero's Shootout Heroics and Marin's Decisive Moment
Unai Marrero, a 24-year-old goalkeeper born in San Sebastián and raised at Real Sociedad, emerged as the shootout savior by saving two crucial penalties. His performance put his boyhood club within a single shot of victory on what captain Mikel Oyarzabal had called "the night of their lives." After his saves, Marrero embraced Pablo Marin, a former ballboy turned teammate, kissed him on the cheek, and asked him to take the decisive penalty.
Marin, aged 22 and introduced as a substitute, calmly stepped up and converted the winning spot-kick, sparking wild celebrations among the thousands of Real Sociedad fans present. This marked a stark contrast to their 2021 victory, which occurred in an empty stadium due to pandemic restrictions, leaving players and supporters feeling that something was missing. Now, they celebrated in front of a packed crowd, lifting the trophy for the first time in 38 years in Seville.
A Night of Records and Rapid Goals
The final began in spectacular fashion with Ander Barrenetxea scoring the fastest goal in Copa del Rey history, finding the net after just 13 seconds. Real Sociedad took an early lead, but Atlético Madrid equalized through Ademola Lookman in the 19th minute. The Basque side regained the advantage before halftime when Oyarzabal converted a penalty after Atlético goalkeeper Juan Musso fouled Gonçalo Guedes.
Atlético dominated possession in the second half but struggled to create clear chances until Julián Alvarez leveled the score with a superb finish in the 83rd minute. The match saw numerous near-misses in extra time, including Alvarez rattling the crossbar and Musso making a remarkable double save, before the tension culminated in the penalty shootout.
Matarazzo's Transformative Impact
The victory also highlighted the remarkable impact of coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who took over Real Sociedad just four months ago. Hailing from Bergen County, New Jersey, and holding a degree in applied mathematics from Columbia University, Matarazzo revived a side threatened with relegation and guided them to cup glory. Unknown upon his arrival, he has now become a beloved figure in San Sebastián, expressing his joy at bringing happiness to so many people.
Reflecting on the shootout, Marrero stated, "I was in my element. I'm still not conscious of what's happened here." The win completes a cup run that Real Sociedad fans will cherish for years, blending youthful exuberance with tactical resilience under their innovative American coach.
