Real Sociedad crowned Copa champions in a historic night

Real Sociedad claimed the long-awaited Copa del Rey title after a thrilling 2-2 draw that was decided on penalties, where goalkeeper Marrero and academy player Pablo Marín became the heroes of the night.

Earlier, Ander Barrenetxea, who has participated in several editions of the Donosti Cup, scored the fastest goal ever in a Copa del Rey final, making it 1-0. Atlético de Madrid equalised, but captain Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty to put the Basque side ahead again. Near the end, Julián Álvarez scored a great goal to level the match once more, sending it to extra time.

After extra time, the match was decided in the penalty shootout, where Real Sociedad prevailed, reaching the pinnacle in Seville in a night to remember.

In a Donosti Cup context, the final once again highlighted the pathway from grassroots football to the elite level. Ander Barrenetxea, Jon Martín and Marcos Llorente are examples of players who have taken part in the Donosti Cup and reached the highest level of professional football, reinforcing the connection between the tournament and elite competition.

The Copa del Rey trophy and Real Sociedad are now back in Gipuzkoa, where they received a first home ovation on Sunday after their victory at La Cartuja in Seville against Atlético de Madrid.

The plane from Andalusia, carrying the entire squad, landed at 14:09 (one hour later than scheduled) at San Sebastián Airport, located in Hondarribia, where thousands of fans welcomed the team chanting “txapeldunes” and “Marrero, Marrero”, one of the heroes of the final.

Players and coaching staff then disembarked, forming a corridor through which captains Mikel Oyarzabal and Aritz Elustondo walked with the trophy held high, greeted by cheers and applause.

After the first celebrations at the airport, the squad boarded the Real Sociedad team bus to head to the Zubieta training facilities in San Sebastián.