On the evening of 18/4 at La Cartuja stadium, Real Sociedad had a strong start, taking the lead in just the 14th second with a header from Ander Barrenetxea. This goal became the fastest in Copa del Rey final history, breaking the 17-second record set by Manuel Badenes for Valencia in 1952.

Ander Barrenetxea celebrates his opening goal in the 14th second during Real Sociedad's victory over Atletico in the Copa del Rey final on 18/4. Photo: Marca

Atletico equalized in the 18th minute when Ademola Lookman struck a diagonal shot, making him the second Nigerian player to score in a Copa del Rey final, following Finidi George in 1997 for Real Betis.

Real Sociedad regained their lead at the end of the first half with a converted penalty kick from Mikel Oyarzabal. The Spanish forward also made history for Real Sociedad as the first player to score in two Copa del Rey finals, having also scored from the penalty spot in the 2020 final.

In the second half, Julian Alvarez shone, controlling the ball, turning, and firing a left-footed shot into the near corner to level the score at 2-2. This score remained unchanged through extra time, forcing the two teams to decide the winner through a penalty shootout.

Unai Marrero dives to save a penalty kick from Julian Alvarez. Photo: Marca

During the shootout, goalkeeper Unai Marrero proved to be the hero, saving attempts from Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez. Pablo Marin then successfully converted his penalty to secure a 4-3 victory for Real Sociedad.

"I believed in myself if the match went to penalties. My teammates and fans also believed in me", Marrero said after the match, before he and his teammates received the trophy from King Felipe VI of Spain. The 24-year-old goalkeeper expressed, "I still can't believe it. My childhood dream has come true".

Real Sociedad secured their fourth Copa del Rey title in history, adding to their wins in 1909, 1987, and 2020. Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo became the first American coach to win a significant tournament in Europe's top 5 leagues.

Real Sociedad players celebrate their Copa del Rey title. Photo: Marca

Meanwhile, Atletico missed the chance to end their title drought, which has persisted since winning La Liga in the 2020-2021 season. The last time the Madrid club lifted the Copa del Rey trophy was in 2013. "We tried our best after falling behind early. This was a challenging night", Koke admitted, emphasizing that Atletico will now focus on their next goal: winning the Champions League, where they face Arsenal in the semi-finals.

Hong Duy