Real Sociedad has officially been crowned the 2025–26 Copa del Rey champions following a high-stakes final against Atlético Madrid at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. The victory marks a significant milestone for the San Sebastián club, while simultaneously confirming a trophyless farewell for Atlético legend Antoine Griezmann.
The match lived up to its billing as a premier fixture in Spanish football. Real Sociedad opened the scoring early through Ander Barrenetxea, setting a frantic pace. Atlético Madrid responded through Ademola Lookman, but found themselves trailing again after Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty. A late equalizer from Julián Álvarez in the 83rd minute pushed the contest into extra time and eventually to a decisive penalty shootout after the score remained 2–2.
The Penalty Shootout
The shootout proved to be the undoing for Diego Simeone’s side. While Real Sociedad displayed clinical execution from the spot, Atlético Madrid struggled under the immense pressure. Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez failed to convert their attempts.
Real Sociedad’s young talent, Pablo Marín, converted the final penalty to secure a 4–3 shootout victory, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Basque supporters.
A Bittersweet Conclusion for Griezmann
For Antoine Griezmann, the result carries heavy personal significance. With widespread reports confirming this is his final season in Madrid before a projected move to Major League Soccer, this final represented his last opportunity to secure domestic silverware with the Colchoneros. Despite his status as the club’s all-time leading scorer, the Copa del Rey title remains absent from his decorated tenure at the Metropolitano.
While Atlético Madrid reflects on a season of “what ifs,” Real Sociedad returns to San Sebastián with their third major Copa del Rey trophy, further cementing their status as one of the most formidable and consistent projects in contemporary Spanish football.
