Real Sociedad defeated Atletico Madrid 4-3 in a penalty shootout to claim the Copa del Rey title after a 2-2 draw in the final held at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on Saturday. Ander Barrenetxea scored the fastest goal in Copa del Rey final history, heading home just 14 seconds into the match from a Goncalo Guedes cross. Atletico equalised through Ademola Lookman, who fired into the bottom corner after a lay-off from Antoine Griezmann. Mikel Oyarzabal restored Real Sociedad's lead from the penalty spot before halftime, following a foul by Juan Musso on Guedes.
In the second half, Julian Alvarez levelled for Atletico with a curling strike from the edge of the box, his 19th goal of the season, forcing extra time. Johnny Cardoso missed a golden chance for Atletico in stoppage time, shooting wide with only Unai Marrero to beat. During extra time, Musso saved a shot from Orri Oskarsson, while Alvarez hit the crossbar from distance. In the penalty shootout, Marrero saved efforts from Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez, while Pablo Marin converted Real Sociedad's fifth penalty to secure victory.
The win marks Real Sociedad's fourth Copa del Rey title. The team's resurgence this season followed the appointment of American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo in December. Atletico, last champions of the competition in 2013, now face Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals, their final chance for silverware this season.
Ademola Lookman helped Atletico Madrid fight back from a 14-second deficit, yet his contribution ended without a trophy despite a goal and near-miss in stoppage time. The Nigerian's moment in a major final faded with the team's penalty shootout loss, leaving his campaign highlight confined to a single strike in defeat. Atletico's reliance on him in attack was evident, but it did not translate into silverware. His exit from the final without celebration contrasts with Griezmann's confirmed departure to Orlando City.
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