Real Sociedad claimed their third Copa del Rey title in a pulsating encounter at the Estadio de La Cartuja on Saturday, defeating Atletico Madrid 4–3 on penalties after the match ended 2–2 following extra time.
The final was defined by a historic milestone for Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, who became only the second Nigerian to score in a Copa del Rey final. However, his individual brilliance was overshadowed by a clinical performance from Pellegrino Matarazzo's side, who held their nerve in the shootout to lift the trophy for the first time since 2020.
The contest ignited within the opening minute when Real Sociedad’s Ander Barrenetxea headed home a precise cross from Gonçalo Guedes. Atletico Madrid responded with urgency, and in the 18th minute, Lookman levelled the scores with a clinical left-footed finish into the bottom corner after being released by Antoine Griezmann. This feat matched the record set by Finidi George for Real Betis against Barcelona in 1997.
Real Sociedad regained the lead shortly before the interval when captain Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot. Atletico fought back late in the second half, with Julian Alvarez finding an equaliser in the 83rd minute to force the game into extra time. Despite sustained pressure from Diego Simeone’s men, the deadlock remained unbroken through the additional 30 minutes.
During the shootout, Real Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero proved the hero, saving two attempts to secure the victory.
For Atletico, the defeat marks a missed opportunity to secure silverware in a challenging domestic campaign. Manager Diego Simeone praised his players’ resilience but acknowledged the fine margins of the game. "Football is often decided by these moments," Simeone said in the post-match press conference. "Lookman was exceptional tonight, and while the result is painful, I am proud of the effort and the way we fought back twice."