Real Sociedad advanced to the Copa del Rey final after an exciting semi-final victory over local rivals Athletic Bilbao. The only goal in the return leg at Anoeta was scored by Mikel Oyarzabal, who successfully converted a penalty in the 85th minute. In the decisive clash for the trophy, which will be held at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville, the team from San Sebastian will face Atletico Madrid, which earlier eliminated FC Barcelona.

Oyarzabal's decisive goal

The Real Sociedad captain converted a penalty in the 85th minute of the match, securing his team's advancement to the final.

Refereeing controversy

The Athletic Bilbao coach and players sharply criticized the decision to award the penalty, considering the tussle to be normal physical contact.

Historic final after years

Atletico Madrid returns to the Copa del Rey final for the first time since their triumph in 2013.

Real Sociedad San Sebastian secured their place in the final of the Copa del Rey by defeating Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in the derby return leg. The decisive moment of the match came in the closing stages when the referee awarded a penalty after a tussle in the box, which was converted into a goal by the hosts' captain, Mikel Oyarzabal. This victory ends the title defenders' dreams of another triumph from Bilbao and opens the path for Real Sociedad to win their second cup in the last five years. The victory for Imanol Alguacil's team, however, sparked considerable controversy in the rivals' camp. Coach Ernesto Valverde and striker Iñaki Williams loudly criticized the referee's decision to award the penalty in the 85th minute, calling it too harsh in the context of shoulder-to-shoulder contact. Despite the visitors' pressure in added time, the defense from San Sebastian held onto their slim lead, celebrating their advancement amidst deafening support at the packed Anoeta stadium. Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid meet in the Copa del Rey final for the first time since 1987. Back then, the team from the Basque Country came out on top, winning after a penalty shootout. The Basques' opponent will be the Atletico Madrid team led by Diego Simeone. Madrid's "Los Rojiblancos" return to the final of this competition after a 13-year break, marking a significant event for the capital's fans. However, there is uncertainty in the Atletico camp regarding the fitness of their key player, Antoine Griezmann. The French striker, who was the architect of the victory over Barcelona, is struggling with an injury, and the medical staff are racing against time to get him fit for the match in Seville. The final is scheduled for the La Cartuja stadium, and tickets are set to go on sale in the coming days. For Real Sociedad, this is a chance to confirm their position as one of the leading forces in Spanish football, while for Atletico, it is an opportunity to win their first domestic trophy since 2021. The media emphasize that a clash between two such determined and tactically disciplined teams promises to be one of the most exciting cup spectacles in recent years.

Mentioned People

  • Mikel Oyarzabal — Captain of Real Sociedad and scorer of the winning goal from the penalty spot.
  • Iñaki Williams — Athletic Bilbao striker who criticized the referee's decision to award the penalty.
  • Ernesto Valverde — Athletic Bilbao coach, unhappy with the course of the match's closing stages.
  • Antoine Griezmann — Atletico Madrid star, whose participation in the final is in doubt.
  • Diego Simeone — Atletico Madrid coach, who led the team to the final after 13 years.