Real Sociedad secure Copa del Rey penalty triumph over Atletico

Q: How did Real Sociedad win the Copa del Rey against Atletico Madrid?

Real Sociedad won the Copa del Rey by defeating Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time.

Q: Who scored the winning penalty for Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final?

Pablo Marin scored the winning penalty for Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final.

Q: What were the key moments in the Copa del Rey final between Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid?

Key moments included Ander Barrenetxea scoring the fastest goal in Copa del Rey final history and Mikel Oyarzabal converting a penalty for Sociedad before Atletico equalized through Julian Alvarez.

Q: What does this Copa del Rey victory mean for Real Sociedad?

This victory marks Real Sociedad's fourth Copa del Rey title, revitalizing their season under coach Pellegrino Matarazzo.

Pablo Marin blasted home the winning penalty for Real Sociedad against Atletico Madrid in Seville (Thomas COEX) (Thomas COEX/AFP/AFP) Real Sociedad edged Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties to win the Copa del Rey for a fourth time in the club's history after a 2-2 draw in a gripping final on Saturday in Seville. After Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez missed from the spot for Diego Simeone's Atletico, Pablo Marin smashed home his kick to claim victory for the Basque side. Ander Barrenetxea had headed Real Sociedad ahead after just 14 seconds, with Ademola Lookman levelling for Atletico. Mikel Oyarzabal put the Basque side ahead from the penalty spot before the break but Alvarez rescued Atletico and forced extra time and ultimately penalties with a superb strike. La Real's season seemed set to be one of struggle until American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo was appointed in December, and he resuscitated their campaign. "It's a moment to enjoy, to dream and to believe... the kid who dreamed of this... has done it," said Real Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero, who saved two penalties. Champions League semi-finalists Atletico, 10-time winners of the cup, were left to lick their wounds and rue mistakes. "We did everything we could, we had to row against the current from the start," said Atletico captain . "We had some chances before the end of the 90 minutes that if we had scored would have changed the story. "We have to congratulate La Real, that's life. It hurts but we have to continue." At La Cartuja stadium it was a battle between two teams that often attack fast and direct, and Real Sociedad certainly did that, netting the quickest ever goal scored in a Copa del Rey final. Goncalo Guedes scampered away down the left on to a long ball, crossing for Barrenetxea to head beyond before the Rojiblancos had even touched the ball. Simeone's side, who last won the competition back in 2013 near the start of his 14-year reign, wrestled their way back level through Lookman. laid off the ball to him on the edge of the box and without much on, the Nigeria international spied a route to goal and drilled into the bottom corner. Lookman almost created a goal for Griezmann but Real Sociedad scrambled to block the 35-year-old French forward, who is leaving Atletico at the end of the season for MLS side . Atletico goalkeeper Musso, chosen ahead of the fit-again after he impressed during the Slovenian's recent injury absence, handed La Real the lead again just before the break. Musso clumsily clattered fists first as the Portuguese leapt for a header and the Basque side were awarded a penalty. Oyarzabal, who scored from the spot when they won the 2020 edition, without their fans present because of the global pandemic, sent Musso the wrong way. After a first half in which they struggled, Atletico began to build some pressure after the interval. Griezmann lashed over and Lookman whipped a shot high and wide as La Real tried to stave off the Rojiblancos, who dominated the ball. Simeone called for his battering ram, sending on Norwegian target man Sorloth to try and force a way through. Eventually the goal they craved came from the guile of former Manchester City striker Alvarez instead. The forward took a neat touch to spin on the edge of the box and then another to plant the ball in the top corner for his 19th goal of the season.