In a finale that will be etched into Basque folklore, Real Sociedad secured their fourth Copa del Rey title on Saturday night at the Estadio de La Cartuja. After a grueling 120 minutes ended in a 2–2 deadlock, the Txuri-Urdin triumphed 4–3 on penalties, sparked by the heroics of backup goalkeeper Unai Marrero.
A Tale of Resilience and Heroics
The match ignited just 14 seconds after the opening whistle. Before many fans had even reached their seats, Ander Barrenetxea stunned the Atlético defense, slotting home the fastest goal in recent final history.
Atlético Madrid, hunting for their first cup since 2013, responded with trademark intensity. Ademola Lookman restored parity in the 19th minute with a clinical finish. However, Real Sociedad regained the lead just before the interval when captain Mikel Oyarzabal coolly converted a penalty, sending the Basque fans into a frenzy.
The second half saw Diego Simeone’s men pile on the pressure. It took until the 83rd minute for the breakthrough to come, as Julián Álvarez found the back of the net to force the game into a tense period of extra time.
The Unlikely Hero: Unai Marrero
With neither side able to break the stalemate in the additional 30 minutes, the title was decided from the spot. While Oyarzabal and the veterans provided the leadership, it was 24-year-old goalkeeper Unai Marrero who stole the spotlight. Marrero produced two spectacular saves against Atlético heavyweights Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez.
The moment of destiny fell to youngster Pablo Marín, who remained composed to slot home the winning penalty, ending Real Sociedad’s six-year trophy drought and securing their place in the 2027 Supercopa de España.
