Real Sociedad eliminated Athletic Bilbao and will face Atlético de Madrid in the Copa del Rey final
Real Sociedad secured their spot in the Copa del Rey final by defeating Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in the semifinal return leg, thanks to a late penalty goal.
Real Sociedad triumphed over Athletic Bilbao, ensuring their place in the Copa del Rey final against Atlético de Madrid. The victory came after a tense semifinal return match held at Anoeta Stadium, where the score remained at 1-0, echoing the same result from the first leg. Mikel Oyarzabal scored the decisive goal in the 98th minute from the penalty spot, awarded after a VAR review confirmed a foul against his teammate Yangel Herrera in the penalty area.
This late penalty sparked significant protests from the Athletic Bilbao players, who believed the decision was unjust. As the players voiced their frustrations, the match showcased the fierce rivalry between the two Basque teams, with emotions running high on both sides. The win not only allowed Real Sociedad to progress to the final but also emphasized their competitive spirit under the management of Pellegrino Matarazzo.
Looking ahead, Real Sociedad will now prepare to face Atlético de Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, a match that holds substantial importance for both clubs. As they aim for silverware, the outcome of this crucial game will likely have lasting effects on their season and reputation within Spanish football. Fans and analysts alike are waiting to see how this final clash will unfold, particularly given the intense rivalry inherent in Spanish football.