Real Sociedad overpowered Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey 2025/26 final at Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla on Saturday 18 April, 2026 in a penalty shootout 4-3 to emerge Champions for the fourth time.
Twice, Diego Simeone’s side came from the back to level as the game entered extra time, and after a 2-2 draw, it reached penalties and Real Sociedad clinched victory.
Real Sociedad goalkeeper, Unai Marrero, saved two (2) penalty kicks in the shootout to secure his side a first title since 2020.
Socieded opened the scoring with the fastest-ever goal in the Copa Del Rey final through Ander Barrenetxea after just fourteen (14) seconds. Barrenetxea headed in Goncalo Guedes’ cross into the corner.
But, in the 19th minute, Nigeria forward, Ademola Lookman, levelled for the Mattress Makers. Real Sociedad restored its lead in the 1st minute of the first half additional time through Mikel Oyarzabal from the penalty spot.
The penalty kick was awarded after goalkeeper Juan Musso caught Guedes as he went to punch the ball away.
Atletico Madrid, who were infuriated after trailing 2-1 mounted pressure on Sociedad and it paid off late in the 83rd minute when Julian Alvarez fired a stunning strike from the edge of the penalty box into the top corner.
Atletico expressed its “congratulations” to Real Sociedad following their victory, saying, they put in all in the “thrilling” final.
Both sides really fought hard for the winner in both periods of extra time, but, it ended in a penalty shootout, which produced Real Sociedad as the new Copa Del Rey Kings.
Atletico Madrid lost its first two (2) penalty kicks, while, Real Sociedad Pablo Marin fired the last kick for the White and Blues into the roof of the net.
Atletico Madrid will now shift focus to the Uefa Champions League as it faces Arsenal in the semi finals. The first leg will take place on 29 April, 2026.
The Mattress Makers wrote: “Congratulations, @RealSociedadEN, on your victory in the Copa del Rey final. Both teams gave it everything in a thrilling match.”
Photo: Real Sociedad players celebrate after winning the Copa Del Rey four (4) times | Getty Images
