'Kang-in, I did it too' Kubo finally wins first pro title with 'emotions'... Sociedad defeats Atletico to claim King's Cup

*This content was translated by AI.

Takeshi Kubo (25), Lee Kang-in's (25, PSG) close friend from his La Liga days, has lifted his first career trophy.

On the 19th (Korean time), Real Sociedad defeated Atletico Madrid 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in extra time in the 2025-2026 Spanish King's Cup (Copa del Rey) final held at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville, Spain.

With this victory, Sociedad lifted the King's Cup for the first time since the 2019-2020 season, six years later, and their fourth overall. The win also secured them a spot in next season's UEFA Europa League (UEL). Meanwhile, Atletico, who had been aiming for their first title since the 2012-2013 season after 13 years, fell short at the final hurdle and settled for runners-up.

Sociedad took control just 14 seconds into the match. Ander Barrenetxea scored the opening goal with a thunderous header. Atletico responded in the 19th minute of the first half with a goal from Ademola Lookman to level the score. However, Sociedad regained the lead 2-1 in stoppage time of the first half through a penalty kick by Mikel Oyarzabal.

Atletico, facing a heavy defeat, saw Julian Alvarez score a dramatic equalizer in the 38th minute of the second half to bring the match back to a draw. Neither team managed to score in the subsequent extra time, leading to a penalty shootout.

The penalty shootout brought contrasting fortunes for the two teams. Atletico faced a crisis as shots from Alexander Sørloth and Alvarez, the first and second kickers, were repeatedly blocked. Sociedad, holding the lead, saw Pablo Marín calmly convert the final fifth penalty to seal the 4th-3 victory.

Sociedad's key striker Kubo achieved a remarkable feat by lifting his first trophy since his professional debut.

Kubo was substituted into the match in the 43rd minute of the second half with the score tied at 2-2. Throughout extra time, Kubo attempted sharp through passes to find openings in the attack. Notably, in the 8th minute of the first half of extra time, he provided a decisive opportunity to a teammate with a skillful heel pass inside the penalty area, but the chance was thwarted by a save from the opposing goalkeeper, leaving him disappointed.

According to Japan's Nikkan Sports, after the match, Kubo stated, "I have been swallowing my regrets from losing in many important matches, so I am truly happy to win today."

For Kubo, who recently returned from injury, this victory was even more special. Kubo, who suffered a left hamstring injury in a match against Barcelona on the 18th, returned to the pitch on the 11th in a match against Alaves after being substituted in, making his comeback after approximately three months.

In his second match since returning from injury, Kubo said, "I was able to secure more playing time through today's match," and added, "I want to continue increasing my playing time and prepare for the upcoming World Cup in good condition."

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*This content was translated by AI.