KEY POINTS
- Mikel Oyarzabal scored a decisive 87th-minute penalty to secure a 1-0 win in the Basque derby.
- Real Sociedad advanced to the Copa del Rey final with a 2-0 aggregate victory over their rivals.
- The club will face Atletico Madrid in the championship match scheduled for April 18 in Seville.
Real Sociedad secured their place in the 2026 Copa del Rey final with a resilient performance on Wednesday night. The Basque side defeated local rivals Athletic Bilbao 1-0 at the Reale Arena to complete a 2-0 aggregate win. This victory marks a significant achievement for the club under the guidance of American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo. Real Sociedad will now compete for their fourth title in the competition’s history next month.
The match remained a tense and tactical affair for the majority of the ninety minutes in San Sebastian. Real Sociedad held a narrow one-goal advantage from the first leg and focused on maintaining defensive discipline. Athletic Bilbao pushed forward in search of an equalizer but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. The home crowd created an electric atmosphere as they cheered their team toward the final whistle.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 87th minute following a critical intervention by the Video Assistant Referee. A foul in the penalty area gave Real Sociedad the chance to seal the tie from the spot. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and coolly converted the penalty to the delight of the home supporters. This late goal effectively ended Athletic Bilbao’s hopes of a comeback in the final minutes.
The visiting side attempted a desperate late surge but found no way past a sturdy Sociedad defense. Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper made several important saves to ensure a clean sheet during the second leg. The defensive unit has been a pillar of the team’s success throughout their impressive cup run this season. Athletic Bilbao, a 24-time winner of the trophy, will now turn their focus back to the league.
Real Sociedad’s victory sets up a high-stakes showdown against Atletico Madrid in the final. Atletico secured their own spot earlier in the week after surviving a difficult second leg against Barcelona. The final is scheduled to take place at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville on April 18. This matchup promises to be a showcase of Spanish football between two of the nation’s most consistent clubs.
For Real Sociedad, reaching the final represents a major turning point in their season under Matarazzo. The coach has received widespread praise for stabilizing the team since his arrival in December. The players have responded well to his tactical adjustments and shown great composure in high-pressure derby matches. Fans are already making travel arrangements to support the team in Andalusia for the showpiece event.
The 2026 Copa del Rey has provided numerous surprises and dramatic moments throughout the earlier rounds. Both finalists have had to overcome difficult paths to reach the ultimate stage of the tournament. Real Sociedad’s victory over their greatest rivals serves as a perfect motivator for the challenges ahead. The club aims to lift the trophy for the first time since their 2020 triumph.
