Seville, SPAIN — Real Sociedad secured their fourth Copa del Rey title on Saturday, April 18, 2026, defeating Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties after the final ended 2-2 following extra time at the Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla.
Goalkeeper Unai Marrero emerged as the hero for the Basque side, saving two spot-kicks in the shootout before Pablo Marin converted the decisive penalty to seal the trophy.
Okay News reports that Ander Barrenetxea scored the fastest-ever goal in a Copa del Rey final, heading Real Sociedad into the lead after just 14 seconds.
Atletico Madrid equalized in the 18th minute through a low strike from Ademola Lookman, assisted by Antoine Griezmann. However, Mikel Oyarzabal restored Sociedad’s lead with a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Juan Musso fouled Gonçalo Guedes in the area. Diego Simeone’s side forced extra time in the 83rd minute when Julian Alvarez fired a strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.
The victory marks Real Sociedad’s first major trophy since their 2020 cup triumph. For Atletico Madrid, who currently sit 22 points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, the focus shifts to their Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal scheduled for April 29, 2026.
The match concluded with Real Sociedad converting four of their five penalties to ensure the Copa del Rey trophy returns to San Sebastian.
