Real Sociedad Beat Atletico Madrid To Win Copa del Rey

 

Real Sociedad are the Copa del Rey champions for the fourth time after defeating Atletico Madrid on penalties, following a 2-2 draw. 

It was a disappointing end for Atletico, who came back twice to level before losing on penalties, and Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth missed their shots. Juan Musso tried to save the day by saving Orri Oskarsson's shot, but Pablo Marin scored the winning spot-kick to give the side the victory. 

Atletico won their last Copa del Rey title in 2012/13. In the last edition, they were eliminated in the semifinals by Barcelona, the same team they had eliminated in the semifinals this edition, to reach the final in their bid for their 11th Copa del Rey title. 

An early goal in the first minute from Ander Barrenwtxea set Sociedad on course. Ademola Lookman later equalised the scores in the first quarter of the game. However, the champions regained the upper hand when Goncalo Guedes drew a penalty. 

Mikel Oyarzabal scored the spot-kick, giving Sociedad the lead before halftime. Atletico left it late before equalising with an Alvarez's volley from inside the box. However, the game progressed to extra time, then penalties. 

Sociedad reclaimed the Copa del Rey trophy, which they last won in 2020. It will be their fourth in the club's history, and manager Pellegrino Matarazzo became the first American head coach to lift the trophy. 

Overview

Diego Simeone-led side was relentless after conceding the opening goal. The players moved around to break Sociedad's resolve. Griezmann moved into the left wing while Ademola moved into the centre. The interchange worked effectively, culminating in the buildup that led to Ademola's goal. Atletico had done everything right until the closing minutes of the first half, when Juan Musso made a goalkeeper error. The latter's timing for a dive was late, and the penalty resulting from his collision with Goncalo Guedes was avoidable. 

Kulian Alvarez had been relatively quiet until Diego Simeone refreshed the team with fresh legs, with Alexander Sorloth and Nicolas Gonzalez.