The recent Copa del Rey final raised an intriguing question: How did Real Sociedad manage to secure their fourth title in this prestigious tournament? The answer lies in a combination of strategic gameplay, crucial individual performances, and some fortunate moments that unfolded during the match.
On April 18, 2026, at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, Real Sociedad faced Atlético Madrid in what turned out to be an exhilarating encounter. The match concluded with a score of 2-2 after extra time, leading to a tense penalty shootout where Real Sociedad triumphed 4-3. According to documents from the match report, Unai Marrero, the goalkeeper for Real Sociedad, played a pivotal role by making decisive saves against Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez during the shootout.
Significantly, the match was marked by Ander Barrenetxea’s record-setting goal, which came just 14 seconds after kickoff—the fastest ever recorded in a Copa del Rey final. Mikel Oyarzabal also contributed to the scoreboard by converting a penalty during first-half stoppage time. This early momentum was crucial for Real Sociedad as they sought to regain their footing after having last won the Copa del Rey in 2020.
Sources indicate that Pellegrino Matarazzo’s leadership has been transformative for Real Sociedad. When he took over as head coach in December, the team was precariously positioned just two points above the relegation zone. However, following his appointment, they have since climbed into the upper half of the La Liga table—a testament to his effective management and tactical acumen.
Conversely, Atlético Madrid entered this final under considerable pressure, having lost five of their last six matches across all competitions prior to this game. Koke, their captain, acknowledged this struggle by stating that while the team fought hard despite being behind early on, they ultimately fell short of expectations.
The match kicked off at 8 PM BST and was made accessible for fans via free live streaming on ITVX—an initiative that likely increased viewership and engagement among supporters. As fans celebrated Real Sociedad’s victory on social media platforms, Unai Marrero expressed his disbelief at fulfilling his childhood dream of winning such an important trophy.
What remains to be seen is how this victory will impact both teams moving forward. For Real Sociedad, this win not only adds another trophy to their cabinet but could also bolster their confidence as they aim for further success in La Liga and beyond. Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid will need to regroup and address their recent form if they hope to reclaim their status as one of Spain’s top clubs.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes within Atlético Madrid’s coaching staff following this disappointing outcome. Nevertheless, it is clear that Real Sociedad’s triumph is a significant moment not only for the club but also for Matarazzo—who has now become the first American coach to win a major trophy in one of Europe’s top leagues.
