Real Sociedad held their nerve to defeat Atletico Madrid on penalties and lift the Copa del Rey after a gripping 2-2 draw that stretched through extra time in Seville.The final began in extraordinary fashion. Sociedad took the lead after just 14 seconds, the fastest goal in the competition’s history, as Ander Barrenetxea headed in from close range following a cross by Goncalo Guedes. Atletico responded quickly, with Ademola Lookman finishing calmly after being picked out inside the box to bring the game level.Just before the break, Sociedad regained the advantage when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot after Juan Musso fouled Guedes while attempting to clear. It capped a strong first-half showing from the Basque side, who looked sharper and more composed.Atletico, however, improved after the interval and began to impose themselves. Their pressure eventually told late in the second half when Julian Alvarez produced a fine strike from the edge of the area to make it 2-2 and force extra time.Both sides had chances in a tiring additional period. Musso produced important saves to keep Atletico in the contest, while Alvarez struck the woodwork at the other end. But neither team could find a decisive goal, sending the final to penalties.The shootout turned on goalkeeper Unai Marrero. The Sociedad keeper saved two early Atletico spot-kicks, putting his side in control. Although Musso responded with a save of his own, Sociedad maintained their composure, and Pablo Marin converted the winning penalty to seal a 4-3 shootout victory.It marks Sociedad’s fourth Copa del Rey title and their first in front of supporters since their previous triumph, played behind closed doors in 2020 due to the pandemic. For Atletico, the defeat ends their hopes of domestic silverware this season, with attention now turning to their Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.