Published: 09:17, March 5, 2026
Real Sociedad edge Bilbao to set up Copa del Rey final against Atletico Madrid
By Reuters
Real Sociedad's Spanish defender #12 Javi Lopez (right) heads the ball during the Copa del Rey (King's Cup) semi final second leg football match between Real Sociedad and Athletic Club Bilbao at thep Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian on March 4, 2026. (PHOTO / AFP)

Real Sociedad will face Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final after a 1-0 ​win over Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday ‌sealed a 2-0 aggregate semifinal victory.

Captain Mikel Oyarzabal settled a tight contest at the Reale Arena with a ​spot kick in the 87th minute after referee ​Cesar Soto Grado reviewed the incident on ⁠the pitchside monitor.

Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta was penalized ​for pulling Yangel Herrera's shirt at a corner and ​Oyarzabal fired his effort to the keeper's left as he dived the other way.

La Real controlled possession for much ​of the match but struggled to turn their ​dominance into clear chances, managing four shots on target.

Athletic, without injured ‌winger ⁠Nico Williams, rarely threatened the home side until they tried to make a desperate run late in the second half as they exited the competition.

The ​final will ​be played ⁠at Seville's La Cartuja stadium on April 18, when La Real and Atletico ​meet in the Spanish Cup showpiece ​for the ⁠second time.

The Basque side won their previous final showdown on penalties in 1987 after a 2-2 draw ⁠following ​extra time. They lifted the ​trophy again in 2020.

Atletico won the last of their 10 titles ​in 2013.