Real Sociedad took the lead after just 14 seconds in the 2026 Copa del Rey final. Striker Ander Barrenetxea scored to stun Atletico Madrid at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville on Saturday. The early goal gave the Basque side momentum from the opening whistle.
Atletico Madrid hit back quickly. Forward Ademola Lookman equalized in the 18th minute. The score stood at 1-1 as both teams traded attacks in a lively first half.
Captain Mikel Oyarzabal stepped forward before halftime. He converted a spot kick after Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso fouled Goncalo Guedes inside the area. Real Sociedad went into the break with a 2-1 lead.
Atletico Madrid pushed hard after the restart. Striker Julian Alvarez leveled the match in the 83rd minute with a clinical finish. The teams remained locked at 2-2 after 90 minutes. Extra time produced no further goals, so the final moved to a penalty shootout.
Real Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero saved the first two Atletico penalties from Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez. Substitute Orri Oskarsson missed for Real Sociedad, but midfielder Pablo Marin stepped up and scored the decisive kick. Real Sociedad won the shootout 4-3.
The triumph gave Real Sociedad their fourth Copa del Rey crown. Manager Pellegrino Matarazzo led the side to glory in his debut campaign with the club. The players celebrated on the pitch as fans filled the Seville night with cheers.
