San Sebastian – Real Sociedad are heading to Seville for the Copa del Rey final after securing a 1-0 victory over Athletic Club in the second leg of their semi-final tie on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The win, coupled with their 1-0 victory in the first leg, sees them progress 2-0 on aggregate and sets up a final clash with Atletico Madrid.
The decisive moment at the Reale Arena came in the 87th minute when captain Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty. The penalty award, however, proved controversial, stemming from a challenge on Yangel Herrera that was scrutinized by VAR. The match was described as a tight affair, more balanced than the first leg played in Bilbao, according to Athletic Club’s official match report.
Despite needing two goals to overturn the first-leg deficit, Athletic Club struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their best opportunity fell to Mikel Vesga in added time, but his point-blank shot was saved by Real Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero. Orri Oskarsson also came close, hitting the crossbar with a header late in the game.
Russian midfielder Arsen Zakharyan was an unused substitute for Real Sociedad during the match.
This victory marks Real Sociedad’s return to the Copa del Rey final, where they will face Atletico Madrid, who previously defeated Barcelona in their semi-final. The 124th final of the Copa del Rey is scheduled for April 18 at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, as reported by BBC Sport.
The match saw eight minutes of added time, a period of intense pressure from Athletic Club, but Real Sociedad held firm to secure their place in the final. The game was punctuated by a yellow card for Yangel Herrera for a cynical challenge.
Real Sociedad made two substitutions during the match, bringing on Aihen Munoz and Luka Sucic in place of Goncalo Guedes and Mikel Oyarzabal.
The controversial penalty decision has been a talking point, with Athletic Club feeling aggrieved by the call. However, Real Sociedad’s overall performance and defensive solidity proved crucial in securing their passage to the final.
With a place in the final secured, Real Sociedad will now turn their attention to preparing for their upcoming clash with Atletico Madrid. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Spain’s top teams. Atletico Madrid have won the Copa del Rey a total of 10 times, while Real Sociedad have won it twice, according to live commentary from the match.
The focus now shifts to Seville and the Copa del Rey final on April 18th, where Real Sociedad will aim to add a third title to their trophy cabinet.
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