Real Sociedad claimed the Copa del Rey title with a 2-0 penalty shootout victory over Atlético de Madrid after a goalless draw in regular and extra time, securing the club’s first major trophy since 1987.
The final, held at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, saw both sides create chances but fail to break the deadlock. Atlético’s Julián Álvarez came closest in the 68th minute, forcing a sharp save from Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro, even as the Basque side threatened through Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Méndez in the closing stages of regulation.
With no goals scored across 120 minutes, the tie was decided from the spot. Remiro emerged as the hero, saving penalties from Marcos Llorente and Rodrigo de Paul, while Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi and Oyarzabal converted for Real Sociedad to seal a 4-2 win in the shootout.
Match Facts
- Final: Real Sociedad 0-0 Atlético de Madrid (Real Sociedad win 4-2 on penalties)
- Venue: Estadio de La Cartuja, Seville
- Date: April 6, 2024
- Attendance: 57,619
- Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano
Atlético, seeking a domestic double after winning La Liga earlier in the season, were denied a historic treble chance. For Real Sociedad, the triumph ended a 37-year wait for silverware and capped a season in which they also qualified for the UEFA Champions League via their league position.
Coach Imanol Alguacil praised his team’s composure, saying after the match:
We believed in ourselves even when it got tough. The players showed incredible mental strength, and Alex Remiro was outstanding when we needed him most.
Imanol Alguacil, Real Sociedad head coach
Atlético’s Diego Simeone acknowledged the result but pointed to his side’s overall season:
We created opportunities to win it in normal time. Losing on penalties is tough, but we competed at the highest level all year and that should not be forgotten.
Diego Simeone, Atlético de Madrid head coach
Real Sociedad will initiate their title defense next season in the Copa del Rey’s early rounds, while Atlético shifts focus to the UEFA Champions League semifinals, where they face Borussia Dortmund.
