The final of the 2026 Copa del Rey between Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad started with everything at the La Cartuja Stadium in Seville. The match, played in the presence of King Felipe VI and with the national anthem as a backdrop, had an explosive start that set the tone for what promises to be a second half of maximum intensity.
Real Sociedad took the lead after just 19 seconds in what was a dream start. An error by the Colchonero defense left the way clear for a cross from Gonzalo Guedes that Ander Barrenetxea headed into the back of the net to make it 0-1. However, Atlético reacted and in the 18th minute Griezmann assisted Ademola Lookman, who settled in and shot from the edge of the area to hit the ball at the base of the post with a shot that was impossible for the goalkeeper to tie 1-1.
The game became more complicated for the colchoneros in the final stretch of the first half. At minute 42, goalkeeper Juan Musso came out with everything and took Guedes inside the area, which motivated the referee to signal a penalty and show the yellow card to the Argentine goalkeeper. Mikel Oyarzabal did not miss from the spot and with a superb shot he tricked Musso to return the lead to Real Sociedad with the 1-2 score that remained until the half-time whistle.