Copa del Rey Final 2026: Real Sociedad Wins Thrilling Penalty Shootout

Real Sociedad players lifting the Copa del Rey trophy amid blue and white confetti at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville — Real Sociedad celebrates their fourth Copa del Rey title after a dramatic penalty shootout win.

Final Match Summary

Detail	Information
Match	Real Sociedad vs Atlético Madrid
Score (after 120 mins)	2-2
Penalty shootout	Real Sociedad 4 – 3 Atlético Madrid
Venue	Estadio de La Cartuja, Seville
Fastest goal	14 seconds (Ander Barrenetxea)
Previous record	21 seconds (Morientes, 1995)
Player of the Match	Unai Marrero (Goalkeeper)
Real Sociedad trophies	4th Copa del Rey title

What a thrilling conclusion to the Copa del Rey championship. At Seville’s Estadio de La Cartuja, the festivities are over, but the memories will never fade.

Real Sociedad persevered until the last whistle blew. After a 2-2 draw, they defeated Atlético Madrid 4-3 on penalties. The 120-minute game was suspenseful, dramatic, and unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Record-Setting Opener

Ander Barrenetxea celebrating after scoring the fastest goal in Copa del Rey Final history at 14 seconds — Ander Barrenetxea made history with a goal just 14 seconds in the final.

In a matter of seconds after kickoff, the game erupted. Just 14 seconds into the game, Ander Barrenetxea scored. In the history of the Copa del Rey Final, that goal was the fastest.

Fernando Morientes, who scored for Real Madrid in 1995 after 21 seconds, previously held the record. A 31-year-old record was broken by Barrenetxea.

A Tactical Battle Unfolds

After giving up the early goal, Diego Simeone’s team responded with characteristic tenacity and determination. This final was no exception to Atlético Madrid’s reputation for perseverance.

The Equalizer

In the 19th minute of the match, Ademola Lookman equalised with a crisp, powerful finish. Lookman, who joined Atlético last season, has established a reputation for scoring in crucial games.

Back in Front

Mikel Oyarzabal helped Real Sociedad regain the lead. In first-half injury time, he scored a cool penalty. The captain of Sociedad, Oyarzabal, has now scored in two Copa del Rey finals.

Late Drama

In the 83rd minute, Julián Álvarez finished clinically. After a 2-2 draw, that goal sent the match into extra time. With 18 goals so far this season, Álvarez is Atlético’s leading scorer.

Decided From the Spot

More time didn’t result in any more objectives. Clearly, both teams were worn out. Across the pitch, players were cramping up. The winner would be decided by penalties.

The pivotal player turned out to be Real Sociedad’s custodian, Unai Marrero. In the shootout, he made solid saves to keep Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth at bay.

Pablo Marín scored the final penalty kick into the roof of the net. That set off a flood of blue and white on the field.

What the Players Said After the Match

Unai Marrero, Player of the Match: “I have no words. I trained my whole life for this moment. When I saw the penalties coming, I knew I had to be the hero.”

Mikel Oyarzabal, Sociedad captain: “This is for our fans. They waited 34 years between our last two trophies. Now we have won two in four seasons. This team is special.”

Diego Simeone, Atlético Madrid coach: “I am proud of my players. We fought back twice. Penalties are a lottery. Tonight, the lottery did not favor us.”

A Defining Statement

This victory breaks the recent monopoly enjoyed by Spain’s traditional giants. Real Madrid and Barcelona have won 9 of the last 12 Copa del Rey titles. Real Sociedad has now won two of the last four.

It ensures that Real Sociedad will win its fourth Copa del Rey. 1909, 1987, and 2020 were their prior victories.

The result contrasts sharply with Barcelona’s 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in extra time in the previous season’s final.

Two moments will define this evening for San Sebastián fans: a 14-second record-breaking goal and an unstoppable goalkeeper.