Atlético Madrid missed out on the 2026 Copa del Rey title after losing on penalties to Real Sociedad in the final played on April 18, 2026, in Seville.
The match was thrilling from start to finish, ending 2–2 after 120 minutes before being decided by a penalty shootout. Real Sociedad won 4–3 on penalties, securing their fourth title in the competition’s history.
Atlético made a poor start by conceding an early goal, but responded through Ademola Lookman. Real Sociedad regained the lead via a penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal before Atlético struck back late in the second half through Julián Álvarez to force extra time.
In the penalty shootout, Real Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero emerged as the hero after saving two crucial penalties to seal a historic victory for his team.
Atlético head coach Diego Simeone expressed deep disappointment after the match, stating that his team had chances to win within 90 minutes but failed to take them.
The result leaves Atlético Madrid still searching for a domestic title, while their hopes now shift to other competitions such as the UEFA Champions League. For Real Sociedad, the victory marks a significant achievement and a return to the top of Spanish football.
