Early Shock and Quick Response
The match began dramatically. Just 15 seconds in, Real Sociedad took the lead. Guedes delivered a cross from the left, and Barrenetxea headed it into the net inside the box, leaving Atlético Madrid stunned by the early goal. However, Los Colchoneros remained composed. In the 19th minute, Griezmann played a clever pass across the edge of the box. Álvarez dummied the ball, allowing the onrushing Lookman to fire a powerful left-footed shot into the net, leveling the score at 1-1.
Penalty Drama and Halftime Deficit
After the equalizer, the game became a tight, back-and-forth affair. The deadlock was broken again just before halftime. In the 43rd minute, Atlético goalkeeper Musso collided with Real Sociedad’s Guedes while coming off his line, and the referee decisively awarded a penalty. Real Sociedad captain Oyarzabal converted from the spot, giving his team a 2-1 lead heading into halftime.
Substitutes Make an Impact to Force Extra Time
Trailing after the break, Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone made a series of changes, bringing on Sorloth, Nico González, Baena, and Almada to bolster the attack. The substitutions paid off in the 83rd minute. González delivered a cross from the left, and fellow substitute Almada set up Álvarez for a powerful strike that found the net. Atlético fought back to tie the score at 2-2 just before the end of regular time. With no further goals, the match headed into extra time.
Extra Time Stalemate and Penalty Heartbreak
Both teams, visibly tired, still created scoring chances during the 30 minutes of extra time. In the 97th minute, goalkeeper Musso made a series of crucial saves to keep his team in the game. Two minutes later, Atlético forward Álvarez hit the post, missing a golden opportunity to win the match. As the score remained unchanged after 120 minutes, the final was decided by a tense penalty shootout. In the shootout, Atlético’s Sorloth and Álvarez missed their attempts in the first two rounds. Although goalkeeper Musso saved one penalty, the team ultimately lost 3-4 to Real Sociedad, falling just short of the Copa del Rey title.
