Real Sociedad stun Atlético Madrid on penalties to lift Copa del Rey 2026; Marrero stars in shootout
Real Sociedad clinched their fourth Copa del Rey title after defeating Atlético Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout in Seville.
Real Sociedad clinched their fourth Copa del Rey title after defeating Atlético Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout in Seville.
Real Sociedad entertain Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on Wednesday night in a tie from which Carlo Ancelotti's side is the favourite to come out unscathed and play either FC Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in the final.
Real Madrid travels to San Sebastian on Saturday to face Real Sociedad in the fifth round of games in La Liga in a game that will be influenced by a long list of injuries for both sides.
The Spanish La Liga has no time for a pause as this week sees the 36th round of matches, with plenty still to play for and three games on Tuesday night.
Aleksander Isak wasted no time in equalising for the hosts, who forced Marc Andre Ter Stegen into some fine saves and saw a second-half goal ruled out for offside, reports DPA.
Frenkie de Jong or Miralem Pjanic might fill the void in midfield left by Sergio Busquets' dismissal in the disappointing goalless tie that Barca played to open the new campaign, while Jordi Alba struggled last week and Balde might be given a chance.
The Gabonese striker headed home a good cross from teammate Ferran Torres in the 11th minute of the game. The goalscoring attempt was their only shot on target throughout the entire game.
The result leaves Real Madrid five points less than league leaders Atletico Madrid and at joint thrd with arch rivals Barcelona.
Manchester United were inspired by Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes on Thursday night, as he has been doing ever since his arrival.
The surprising leaders of the ongoing season of La Liga, Real Sociedad, had lost in all their previous 24 visits to Barcelona.
