Real Sociedad beat Atletico Madrid on penalties to win the Copa del Rey, handing American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo his first career title after a dramatic final that ended 2-2 after extra time.
Goalkeeper Unai Marrero was the hero of the shootout, saving spot-kicks from Alexander Sorloth and Julián Álvarez, while Pablo Marín converted the decisive penalty to seal a 4-3 win.
“It has been an unbelievable journey and my feeling is it could be just the beginning,” Matarazzo said. “You visualise success, you trust your players, but until you cross the line you don’t feel it. With that penalty I took a few moments to realise it, and it was pure joy for our players and staff.”
Sociedad struck almost instantly, taking the lead just 14 seconds after kickoff, the fastest goal ever in a Spanish cup final, through Ander Barrenetxea after a direct move involving only three touches.
Atletico responded in the 19th minute when Ademola Lookman finished a move set up by Antoine Griezmann. However, Sociedad regained the lead before half-time after Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty following a foul on Gonçalo Guedes by goalkeeper Juan Musso.
Also read: Mbappé’s double lifts Real Madrid to the top of La Liga
Álvarez levelled the match in the 83rd minute, sending the final into extra time after a tense second half where both sides had chances to win it.
Sociedad, who were struggling near the relegation zone when Matarazzo took charge in December, have now lifted the cup and climbed into the top half of La Liga within months of his arrival.
Atletico, meanwhile, turned their focus to their upcoming Champions League semi-final against Arsenal, with manager Diego Simeone admitting his side had failed to capitalise on key chances.
Goalkeepers played a decisive role in the closing stages. Musso made crucial saves in extra time, while Álvarez struck the woodwork in the 100th minute before Marrero’s heroics in the shootout sealed the result.
“I still can’t believe it,” Marrero said. “The boy who dreamed about this since he was young has fulfilled his dream.”
Atletico captain Koke Resurrección said the team must now regroup quickly for their European challenge, calling it a “hard night” after missing out on the domestic trophy.
Follow us
