Copa del Rey semi-final: Real Sociedad passes Athletic Bilbao to set up final against Atletico Madrid

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

Captain Mikel Oyarzabal settled a tight match at the Reale Arena with a penalty in the 87th minute after referee Cesar Soto Grado reviewed the incident on the on-field 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.

The Royal Controlled possession for most of the match but struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances, managing four shots on target.

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

The final will be played on April 18 at the La Cartuja Stadium in Seville The Royal and Atletico meet for the second time in the Spanish cup paradise.

The Basque team won the previous final confrontation on penalties in 1987 after a 2-2 draw after extra time. The trophy was lifted again in 2020.

Atletico won the last of its ten titles in 2013.

Published on March 5, 2026