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Atlético lose the Copa del Rey on penalties after a wild final
Atlético de Madrid fell just short of the Copa del Rey after losing on penalties to Real Sociedad in an intense final that kept thousands of fans in Madrid on edge as well. The match, full of twists, was ultimately decided from the penalty spot after a draw that lasted into extra time.
The blow came with hardly any time to react: Real Sociedad scored the fastest goal in the history of a Copa del Rey final after 14 seconds, with a header from Ander Barrenetxea. Atlético responded quickly with a goal from Ademola Lookman, restoring balance to an electric start.
Before half-time, Mikel Oyarzabal put the Basque side ahead again from the penalty spot. In the second half, Atlético stepped up and found an equaliser with a high-quality goal from Julián Álvarez from the edge of the area, keeping red-and-white hope alive.
Extra time produced more weariness than clear chances, taking the outcome to a penalty shoot-out where goalkeeper Unai Marrero emerged. His saves proved decisive in tipping the final, which was settled by Pablo Marín’s decisive kick.
For Diego Simeone’s team, the defeat is a blow in a season in which it continues to compete at the highest level. The focus now shifts to the UEFA Champions League, where Atlético faces demanding semi-finals in the coming days.
A match like this is experienced beyond the stadium: packed bars, lively streets and conversations that last for days. The defeat leaves a bitter taste among supporters, but it also keeps expectations alive for what is to come in Europe. In day-to-day life, football continues to set the social rhythm of many neighbourhoods, where every result becomes a central topic.