Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla was the scene of pure footballing drama on April 18, 2026, as Real Sociedad edged Atlético Madrid to claim the 2025-26 Copa del Rey in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout. The Basque side’s 4-3 triumph on penalties, following a 2-2 draw after extra time, marked their first Copa del Rey crown in six years and the fourth in just six seasons—a remarkable era for the club and a night that will be remembered for years to come.
The final, played under the bright Andalusian lights, wasted no time in delivering fireworks. Real Sociedad stunned the crowd and their opponents with a goal just 14 seconds after kickoff. Ander Barrenetxea, latching onto a pinpoint cross from Gonçalo Guedes, soared above the Atlético defense to nod the ball past goalkeeper Juan Musso. The stadium erupted—what a way to start a cup final!
Atlético Madrid, managed by the ever-determined Diego Simeone, were rocked but quickly regained composure. Their response was swift and clinical. In the 19th minute, Ademola Lookman unleashed a powerful drive that left Real Sociedad’s keeper with no chance, leveling the score at 1-1. The match, now wide open, saw both teams probing for weaknesses, but it was Real Sociedad who struck again just before halftime. After a controversial challenge in the box, Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and coolly converted from the penalty spot, restoring his team’s lead and sending the Sociedad faithful into raptures.
With the pressure mounting, Atlético Madrid pushed forward relentlessly in the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 78th minute when Julián Álvarez, showing the poise and sharpness that has made him a rising star, found space and blasted home the equalizer after a clever pass from Thiago Almada. The tension was palpable as both squads sought a winner, but neither could break the deadlock in the closing stages of regulation or throughout extra time. Not even the introduction of Real Sociedad’s Japanese ace, Kubo Takefusa, in the 88th minute could tip the scales—though his energy and incisive passing certainly rattled Atlético’s back line and nearly set up a decisive chance in extra time.
So, to penalties it went. The shootout was a rollercoaster, with nerves on edge and history hanging in the balance. Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper, Unai Simón, emerged as an unlikely hero, saving the first two Atlético attempts from Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez. The pressure only mounted as Real Sociedad’s Oscarsson missed his effort, momentarily giving Atlético hope. However, Sociedad’s next three takers—Luca Sucic, Aihen Muñoz, and Pablo Marín—showed nerves of steel, converting their kicks with confidence. It was Marín’s final, decisive penalty that sealed the 4-3 shootout victory, sending the blue and white half of the stadium into delirium. As Sociedad players collapsed in celebration and tears, Atlético’s squad and supporters were left to lament another year without silverware, their Copa del Rey drought now stretching over a decade.
For Kubo Takefusa, the night was doubly special. The Japanese international, who has long been hailed as one of Asia’s brightest footballing talents, finally lifted his first professional trophy. Kubo’s journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. After spells at FC Tokyo, Real Madrid, and a series of loan moves—including stints at Mallorca, Villarreal, and Getafe—he found a home and a starring role at Real Sociedad. Yet, despite his individual brilliance, team honors had eluded him until now.
Kubo’s path to the final was marked by determination and sacrifice. Sidelined by a hamstring injury in January 2026, he opted to remain at Sociedad’s training ground for rehabilitation, even turning down a call-up to the Japanese national team during the March international window. “First title, I’m happy. I’ve often lost in important games, but today we won. This will give me momentum for the next step. I’ve gained confidence, but I’ll be careful not to get injured,” Kubo reflected, his joy evident after the final whistle. Japanese media outlets were quick to spotlight his achievement, noting that the win came in his tenth year as a professional.
Sociedad’s coach, Matarazzo, praised Kubo’s commitment: “He could have gone to Japan for a detailed check-up, but he stayed and focused on recovery here. His attitude inspired the whole squad.” Kubo’s late cameo in the final saw him create one of extra time’s best chances with a dazzling dribble and a deft through ball, only for Oscarsson’s shot to miss the mark. Still, his presence and sharpness were unmistakable—a testament to his hard work and focus.
At the other end, the defeat proved a bitter pill for Atlético Madrid. The team, whose last major trophy came in 2021, saw their hopes dashed once more. The loss was particularly stinging for Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez, both of whom failed to convert from the spot in the shootout. The timing couldn’t be worse for Simeone’s men, who now have to regroup ahead of a looming Champions League semifinal against Arsenal. The heartbreak was visible on the pitch, with players like Aihen Muñoz in tears and fans left to ponder what might have been.
For Real Sociedad, however, this was a night of vindication and celebration. The club’s recent success in the Copa del Rey—four titles in six seasons—speaks to a remarkable period of consistency and resilience. The triumph at La Cartuja was especially poignant, coming six years after their last cup win in 2020. The victory parade will surely be one for the ages in San Sebastián, as supporters savor a golden era for their beloved team.
With the Copa del Rey now back in their trophy cabinet and Kubo Takefusa finally tasting glory, Real Sociedad have cemented their place among Spain’s elite. Their journey to the summit was anything but easy, but on this unforgettable Andalusian night, they proved that persistence and unity can deliver football’s sweetest rewards.