Real Sociedad Reach the Copa del Rey Final: 2-2 With Atletico Madrid After Extra Time, Won 4-3 on Penalties

Real Sociedad are through to the Copa del Rey final after one of the most dramatic semi-finals in recent memory. They came from behind twice at the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano, held their nerve in extra time, and then edged Atletico Madrid 4-3 in a penalty shootout to seal their place in the final.

Early lead for Real Sociedad

The visitors needed just 60 seconds to open the scoring. Ander Barrenetxea met a cross from Goncalo Guedes and powered a header past Jan Oblak to put Real Sociedad ahead inside the first minute. It was an extraordinary start to the tie and silenced the home crowd at the Metropolitano before the match had barely begun.

Atletico level through Lookman

Atletico Madrid responded as you would expect from Diego Simeone's side. They absorbed the early shock and gradually worked their way back into the match. Ademola Lookman finished off a flowing move, with Antoine Griezmann providing the assist, in the 18th minute to make it 1-1. The home side had pulled level and the tie was back in the balance.

Oyarzabal puts Real Sociedad back in front

The match was physical throughout and the referee was handing out cards freely. Mikel Oyarzabal picked up a caution in the 30th minute for a foul, while Atletico goalkeeper Jan Musso was booked in the 43rd minute. Then, in first-half stoppage time, Oyarzabal stepped up to convert a penalty and restore Real Sociedad's lead at 2-1. It was a composed finish and put Imanol Alguacil's side in a strong position heading into the break.

Atletico drag it back in the 83rd minute

Atletico threw everything at Real Sociedad in the second half and were finally rewarded seven minutes from time. Julian Alvarez, picking up a pass from Thiago Almada, drove through the heart of the Real Sociedad defence and finished to make it 2-2. The Argentinian forward had been a threat all evening and his goal sent the tie into extra time with the stadium roaring.

Extra time could not separate them

Both sides created chances in extra time but neither could find the breakthrough. Gorrotxategi was cautioned in the 120th minute and Elustondo followed in added time for time-wasting as Real Sociedad attempted to run down the clock. After 120 minutes the scoreline was still 2-2 and the Copa del Rey semi-final would be settled from the penalty spot.

Real Sociedad hold their nerve in the shootout

Real Sociedad were composed when it mattered most. They converted four of their spot kicks while Atletico Madrid saw one of their attempts fail to find the net. Real Sociedad won the shootout 4-3 and will now contest the Copa del Rey final.

For Atletico Madrid, it is a painful exit from a competition they had targeted. Simeone's side showed great resilience to come back twice but could not see it through from the penalty spot.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.