Sociedad win shootout after 2-2 draw
Marrero saves two penalties, Marin nets winner
Matarazzo’s side claim fourth Copa title
SEVILLE : Real Sociedad beat Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday after a 2-2 draw following extra time, with goalkeeper Unai Marrero saving two spot-kicks to seal their fourth title.
Sociedad, who last lifted the trophy in 2021 when the delayed 2020 final was played without fans, this time celebrated in front of their supporters at La Cartuja as Marrero denied Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez in the shootout.
Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso saved from Orri Oskarsson, but Pablo Marin converted the decisive penalty.
“I tried to clear my mind. Calm and serene,” Marin told RTVE. “This is the greatest thing I could dream of – winning a title with the team of my life.”
The result echoed the 1987 final between the sides, which also ended 2-2 before Sociedad prevailed on penalties, denying Atletico a first Copa del Rey crown since 2013.
Ander Barrenetxea gave Sociedad a dream start, scoring after just 14 seconds, but Ademola Lookman equalised in the 19th minute. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal restored Sociedad’s lead from the penalty spot on the stroke of halftime.
Atletico struck back late on when Alvarez levelled with seven minutes remaining to force extra time.
FAST START
Sociedad stunned Atletico early when a long ball from Marrero led to a cross by Goncalo Guedes and Barrenetxea headed home.
Atletico responded through Lookman, who finished low into the far corner after a pass from Antoine Griezmann.
Sociedad regained the lead before the break when Musso fouled Guedes and Oyarzabal converted from the spot.
“I’ve never walked on water, but it must feel something like this,” Oyarzabal said.
LATE DRAMA
Sociedad looked set to hold on until Alvarez fired into the top corner late in normal time to make it 2-2.
Both sides had chances in extra time, with Musso making a double save and Alvarez hitting the post, but neither could find a winner.
In the shootout, Marrero’s early saves proved decisive as Sociedad held their nerve.
“I knew that if it went to penalties, I had a lot of confidence,” Marrero said. “I still can’t believe it.”
Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo has overseen a remarkable turnaround since taking charge in December, guiding Sociedad from near the relegation zone to a trophy-winning campaign.
For Atletico boss Diego Simeone, attention now turns to the Champions League, where they face Arsenal in the semi-finals.
“We want the Champions League and will do everything possible to win it,” captain Koke said. “But tonight is a sad night.”
