Real Sociedad secured their fourth Copa del Rey title with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Atlético Madrid in Seville, winning 4-2 on spot-kicks after a 2-2 draw. Backup goalkeeper Unai Marrero, 24, saved penalties from Alex Sørloth and Julián Álvarez, setting the stage for substitute Pablo Marín to score the decisive kick.
The final began in extraordinary fashion, with Real Sociedad scoring after just 13 seconds – the fastest goal in the competition's history. Ander Barrenetxea headed in from Gonçalo Guedes' cross following a long ball from Marrero. Atlético equalised through Ademola Lookman, but Real Sociedad regained the lead via a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty after Juan Musso fouled Guedes. Álvarez levelled with six minutes left, taking the game to extra time.
Atlético dominated large spells and missed several chances, including Álex Baena's close-range miss and Marrero's late save from Johnny Cardoso. In extra time, Álvarez hit the bar, but neither side could find a winner. Marrero's heroics in the shootout, combined with Marín's composure, ensured the trophy returned to San Sebastián for the first time in 38 years in front of a full crowd.
Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who took over four months ago when the club faced relegation, lifted the cup at midnight. 'It's a joy to be able to bring joy to so many people,' he said. Captain Oyarzabal, who scored in the match and the shootout, had also netted the winner in the 2021 final, played in an empty stadium.
