Real Sociedad stun Atlético Madrid on penalties to lift Copa del Rey 2026; Marrero stars in shootout

Real Sociedad were crowned Copa del Rey champions after defeating Atlético Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout, securing their fourth title in the competition.

The victory also marked a historic moment as Pellegrino Matarazzo became the first U.S.-born manager to win a trophy in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

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Real Sociedad’s last Copa del Rey triumph came in 2021, when the delayed 2020 final was also played at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville.

Explosive start and early goals

The final began at a blistering pace. Real Sociedad needed just 16 seconds to strike, with Barrene heading home from a precise Guedes cross. The early breakthrough set the tone, and Barrene almost doubled the lead shortly after with a sharp effort from outside the box, forcing a save from Jan Oblak.

Atlético Madrid responded in the 15th minute through Lookman, who finished clinically after a swift attacking move, restoring parity for Diego Simeone’s side.

Momentum swung again as Guedes and Soler tested Atlético’s defence with dangerous attempts, keeping the pressure on.

Before half-time, controversy struck when goalkeeper Musso brought down Guedes while dealing with a cross. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending Real Sociedad into the break with a 2–1 lead.

The second half was far more controlled, with Real Sociedad focusing on structure and defensive discipline. Atlético pushed forward in search of an equaliser but struggled to break through the compact back line.

With just seven minutes remaining, Julián Álvarez produced a stunning curling finish from the edge of the box to level the score at 2–2, reigniting the contest. Atlético almost completed the turnaround moments later, but missed key chances through Baena and Cardoso.

The match headed into extra time after both sides failed to find a winner in regulation.

Extra time tension and penalty heroics

Extra time delivered end-to-end drama. Real Sociedad came close when Orri’s close-range effort was brilliantly saved by Musso, while Atlético hit the woodwork through another dangerous strike from Julián Álvarez.

With neither side able to break the deadlock, the final was decided by penalties.

In the shootout, goalkeeper Marrero emerged as the hero, saving Atlético’s first two spot-kicks to tilt the pressure firmly in Sociedad’s favour. Martín then converted the decisive penalty, sealing a memorable triumph for the Basque club.

Real Sociedad held their nerve when it mattered most, lifting the Copa del Rey after a night of high intensity, momentum swings, and late drama in Seville.