Backup goalkeeper turns hero as Real Sociedad clinch Copa del Rey in penalty shootout
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
On April 18 in Seville, the first trophy of the Spanish football season was up for grabs. Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad took to the pitch at Estadio de La Cartuja.
The Basques stunned Diego Simeone just 15 seconds into the match, but Lookman quickly restored parity. However, Real Sociedad went into halftime with the lead after Oyarzabal converted a penalty.
After the break, the Colchoneros fought to turn the game around and finally succeeded in the 83rd minute, when Julián Álvarez sent the match into extra time and eventually to a penalty shootout. That’s where Real Sociedad’s backup keeper Unai Marrero emerged as the hero, saving two spot kicks to secure the trophy for his team.
Atlético suffered their tenth defeat in a Copa del Rey final and haven’t lifted the trophy since 2013. As for the winners, Real Sociedad previously triumphed in the Copa del Rey in 1909, 1987, and 2020. Today’s victory marks the Basque club’s fourth in the competition’s history.
