In the first time in 13 years, Atletico de Madrid lined up in a Copa del Rey final. In front of 72,000 fans in Sevilla, the Rojiblancos battled against a potent Real Sociedad, but fell short and lost in a penalty shootout.
The match started with the fastest Copa del Rey final goal ever, as Ander Barrenetxea bounced a header past Juan Musso after just 14 seconds. Ademola Lookman was able to pull the game back to level in the 19th minute, but Real Sociedad regained the advantage with a Mikel Oyarzabal
penalty in first-half stoppage time. Late in the second half, a miracle strike from Julián Alvarez sent the game into extra time, and then into penalties. Misses from Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth were the final nail in the coffin, and Atleti’s domestic trophy drought has extended to five years.
After a soul-crushing final, let’s take a look at the ratings:
Starting XI:
Musso
The goalkeeper couldn’t have asked for a worse start to the final as his outstretched dive was unable to prevent Barrenetxea’s bouncing header from going in. Things went from bad to worse after Musso collided into the Portuguese talisman Gonçalo Guedes and gave away a penalty. From the spot, Oyarzabal scored easily. In the shootout, Musso made a save against Orri Óskarsson, but it wasn’t enough to come away with the trophy. A tough game for a keeper who has been so strong this season. 3
Ruggeri
A poor outing for the Italian, who had done so well earlier in the week against Lamine Yamal and FC Barcelona. Ruggeri lost his aerial battle against Barrenetxea which led to Real’s opening goal and he lost the ball far too easily on multiple occasions as the match went on, gifting attacks for the opposing side. 3
Le Normand
Put in more than one careless foul, including a yellow for an attempt to stop a Barrenetxea drive through the middle. But he did do well to help sweep up potential chances for Real Sociedad with his clearances and willingness to put pressure on the ball. 4.5
Pubill
The 22-year-old consistently thwarted the opposition’s attacks through the center and floated wide to help Nahuel Molina whenever Guedes got the best of him. His four interceptions and five clearances were certainly needed. 5.5
Molina
Had trouble against the in-form Guedes, who hugged the end line and utilized his dribbling to get the better of the Argentinian fullback. Offensively, Molina did his best to supply crosses into the area, but he struggled to connect down the sideline with Antoine Griezmann and Giuliano Simeone. 4.5
Lookman
Lookman often provided the only spark in an otherwise-quiet Atlético attack. His goal from Griezmann’s pass in the 19th minute, an arrowed left-footed strike into the bottom corner, brought the game level. The Nigerian’s efforts were admirable and he continues to show just how important he is to the team. 7
Koke
Even with some passes that were out of tune, Koke played the role of the orchestrator in a grueling 120 minutes that will particularly irk him given the final result. He did well to receive the ball in open play and keep possession with quick passes to teammates. As the only player to have been in the team in its last Copa del Rey final in 2013, his experience was evident whenever the camera panned to the veteran midfielder. He always looked to be urging for others to stay calm, hoping to instill some poise into the team. 6
Llorente
Looked as eager as ever to make an impact, using his stamina to drop back on defense throughout the match and getting the occasional breakthrough out wide to swing a dangerous ball into the final third. 6
G. Simeone
Misjudged the bouncing ball that led to the opponent’s opening goal. Was otherwise nonexistent on the right as the match went on. 3
Alvarez
La Araña brought the game to 2-2 in the 83rd minute after a quality back-heel flick and then a thunderous shot into the top corner of the net. The striker did enough to claw Atleti into extra time, but failed to convert on his attempt in penalties. 6.5
Griezmann
Picked up an assist after he supplied Lookman for the forward’s 19th-minute equalizer. Had moments of excellence with quick touches on the ball or passes out wide. Was taken off for Almada in the second half. 5.5
Substitutes:
Nico Gonzalez
Brought on as a pure left-back in a revamp to the left side after Lookman was subbed off. His crosses into the box didn’t directly result in a goal, but they did force Real Sociedad to push defenders out wide to deal with them. In penalties, Nico looked calm as he slotted his shot into the back of the net. 5
Sørloth
Hoping to use his large stature to get on the end of a cross, Sørloth actively worked to cause havoc for Duje Ćaleta-Car and Jon Martín. His efforts were admirable, but not enough to get his name on the scoresheet. Was the first player up to take his shot in the shootout but Marrero kept out his tame effort. 4.5
Baena
Skied his look in front of net after a cross in from Llorente and struggled to make his mark in the squad’s buildup play. In penalties, Baena at least was able to put his attempt away. 4
Almada
Assisted Alvarez late in the second half to push the game into extra time. Never made a similar impact after that, though he did convert his penalty. 5
Cardoso
Came on for Molina in the 78th minute and found himself through on goal after a pass from Alvarez late in the second half. That miss will go down as one of the game’s biggest “what if?” moments. 4
Lenglet
Replaced Llorente in the 99th minute. Made no serious mistakes. 5
