Real Sociedad have booked their place in the Copa del Rey final after a dramatic victory over fierce rivals Athletic Club in a heated Basque derby. The win in San Sebastian carries special significance, as the club will now play a cup final in front of a full crowd for the first time in 38 years.

The decisive moment at the Reale Arena came from the penalty spot, where captain Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted to give Real Sociedad the lead. The penalty was awarded following a VAR review, which spotted a foul by Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta on Yangel Herrera. The decision sparked intense debate, as the infringement was barely noticeable at full speed.

For Athletic Club, widely regarded as one of the most consistent contenders in recent Copa del Rey campaigns, it proved to be a frustrating night. Ernesto Valverde opted for a system with three central defenders, but the tactical plan failed to deliver the desired balance. The visitors struggled to generate attacking momentum and looked unusually blunt in the final third.

In contrast, Real Sociedad played with greater intensity and cohesion, controlling key phases of the match and defending their slender advantage with discipline until the final whistle.

2025-26, Spain - Copa del Rey

Real Sociedad - Athletic Bilbao 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Oyarzabal, 87 (penalty) (1:0)

Real Sociedad: Marrero; Aramburu; Martín Jon; Gorrotxategi; Zubeldia I.; Turrientes (Herrera Ya., 59); Oyarzabal (Sucic L., 90); Sergio Gomez; Soler (Oskarsson, 83); Guedes G. (Muñoz A., 90); Barrenetxea (Marin P., 59)
Substitution: Herrera Ya. (from 59); Marin P. (from 59); Oskarsson (from 83); Muñoz A. (from 90); Sucic L. (from 90)
Bench: Remiro; Elustondo; Caleta-Car; Zakharyan; Méndez B.; Wesley
Yellow Cards: Muñoz A. 90; Herrera Ya. 90

Athletic Bilbao: Padilla; Vivian; Paredes (Areso, 67); Laporte; Yuri Berchiche; Sancet (Navarro Ro., 67); Jauregizar (Vesga, 82); Rego A. (Ruiz I., 56); Alex Berenguer; Inaki Williams; Guruzeta (Nico Serrano, 82)
Substitution: Ruiz I. (from 56); Areso (from 67); Navarro Ro. (from 67); Vesga (from 82); Nico Serrano (from 82)
Bench: Simón U.; Boiro; Lekue I.; Etxebarria U.; Sanchez S.; Izeta
Yellow Cards: Paredes 23; Jauregizar 56; Guruzeta 70; Areso 81; Laporte 90