Sports
Real Sociedad beat Atletico on penalties to win Copa del Rey
Real Sociedad defeated Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties to win the Copa del Rey for the fourth time in the club’s history after an entertaining 2-2 draw in Saturday’s final in Seville.
After Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez missed their spot-kicks for Diego Simeone’s side, Pablo Marin converted the decisive penalty to hand victory to the Basque club.
Real Sociedad made a stunning start when Ander Barrenetxea headed them in front after just 14 seconds, the fastest goal ever scored in a Copa del Rey final. However, Ademola Lookman restored parity for Atletico after being set up by Antoine Griezmann, drilling a fine effort into the bottom corner.
Before the break, Real Sociedad regained the lead after goalkeeper Juan Musso brought down Goncalo Guedes in the box. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and calmly sent Musso the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Atletico improved after the restart and eventually found an equaliser through Alvarez, who showed brilliant control before rifling the ball into the top corner for his 19th goal of the season. The Madrid side almost snatched victory in stoppage time, but Johnny Cardoso fired wide with only goalkeeper Unai Marrero to beat.
Both sides created further chances in extra time, with Musso denying Orri Oskarsson, while Alvarez struck the crossbar from long range. In the penalty shootout, Marrero emerged hero by saving from Sorloth and Alvarez, while Musso kept Atletico alive with a stop from Oskarsson.
But Marin made no mistake with Real Sociedad’s fifth kick, sparking wild celebrations as the club lifted the trophy once again. For Atletico, their final realistic hope of silverware this season now rests in the UEFA Champions League, where they face Arsenal FC in the semi-finals.
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