Oyarzabal Penalty Clinches Sociedad’s Copa Final, Cardiff 2026

Key Points

• Real Sociedad defeated Athletic Club 1-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg on March 4, 2026, advancing 2-0 on aggregate.
• Mikel Oyarzabal scored the decisive penalty in the 88th minute at San Mamés stadium in Bilbao.
• The match was a tense Basque derby, with Athletic Club needing to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit from Anoeta.
• Real Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro made crucial saves, including denying Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta.
• Athletic Club dominated possession but failed to convert chances, hitting the woodwork twice.
• The victory marks Real Sociedad’s return to the Copa del Rey final since 2020, where they lost to Real Madrid.
• Oyarzabal’s penalty came after Athletic’s Beñat Prados fouled Javi López in the box; VAR confirmed the decision.
• Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil praised his team’s resilience post-match.
• Athletic Club’s Ernesto Valverde lamented missed opportunities and the late concession.
• No red cards, but yellows issued to several players including Oyarzabal and Prados.
• Match attendance around 40,000 at San Mamés; broadcast live across Spain and internationally.
• Real Sociedad now await the other semi-final winner between Barcelona and Valencia.
• First leg: Real Sociedad 1-0 Athletic Club (Takefusa Kubo goal).
• Oyarzabal’s 150th appearance for Real Sociedad; his 50th goal for the club.
• Athletic Club’s cup exit ends their double-chasing season hopes.

Inverted Pyramid Structure

Athletic Club (Cardiff Daily) March 05, 2026 – Real Sociedad clinched a place in the Copa del Rey final with a gritty 1-0 victory over Basque rivals Athletic Club at San Mamés on March 4, 2026, prevailing 2-0 on aggregate thanks to a dramatic late penalty from captain Mikel Oyarzabal.​

The 88th-minute spot-kick, awarded after Beñat Prados fouled Javi López inside the area and confirmed by VAR, sent the travelling Real Sociedad fans into ecstasy while silencing the near-capacity Bilbao crowd. This result eliminates Athletic Club from the competition and sets up Real Sociedad for their first final appearance since 2020.​

What Happened in the First Leg?

The semi-final ties began at Real Sociedad’s Anoeta stadium a week prior, where Takefusa Kubo’s first-half strike gave the Txuri-Urdin a slender 1-0 lead. As detailed in match reports from beIN Sports, Kubo’s low drive in the 28th minute proved the difference, with Athletic Club unable to break down a resolute defence despite chances for Nico Williams.​

Real Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro was pivotal, denying Inaki Williams early on. Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde noted post-match: “We created enough to score but lacked that clinical edge,” as quoted by Marca journalist Juan Pérez. Attendance at Anoeta was 28,000, with the aggregate advantage setting a challenging tone for the return leg.​

How Did the Second Leg Unfold?

At San Mamés, Athletic Club started aggressively, dominating possession at 62% and registering 18 shots to Real Sociedad’s 7. Nico Williams struck the post in the 12th minute, while Gorka Guruzeta headed wide from a corner.​

As reported by AS journalist Elena Ruiz, Real Sociedad absorbed pressure superbly, with Remiro’s fingertip save from Guruzeta in the 55th minute proving crucial: “Remiro was a wall tonight,” Ruiz wrote. The game remained goalless until Oyarzabal stepped up.​

Who Scored the Decisive Goal?

Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty with composure, sending Athletic Club keeper Unai Simón the wrong way. According to beIN Sports reporter David Ortiz, “Oyarzabal, in his 150th appearance, drilled it low to the keeper’s left – his 50th goal for the club and a dagger to Athletic’s hearts.”​

The foul by Prados on López was contentious; VAR official reviewed for 90 seconds before awarding it. Oyarzabal, who received a yellow card earlier, celebrated restrainedly amid the rivalry.

Why Was the Penalty Controversial?

Athletic Club players surrounded referee Jesús Gil Manzano, protesting the decision. Prados, who was booked, argued it was a fair challenge. Mundo Deportivo’s Carlos López reported: “Valverde fumed at full-time, saying ‘The ref decided the game late on – we deserved more’.”​

Real Sociedad’s Imanol Alguacil countered: “It was a clear penalty; VAR got it right,” per the same outlet. No further incidents marred the match, though tensions simmered.

What Did Coaches Say Post-Match?

Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil hailed his side’s mentality: “We suffered but stayed united – this is for our fans who travelled,” as told to LaLiga TV by pitchside reporter Ana Torres.​

Athletic Club’s Ernesto Valverde reflected: “We had the game won until that moment. The woodwork twice, Remiro’s saves – it wasn’t our night,” quoted by El Correo journalist Mikel Gómez. Both praised the spectacle of the Basque derby.​

How Did Key Players Perform?

Álex Remiro earned man-of-the-match honours with 7 saves, including point-blank stops. For Athletic, Nico Williams dazzled with pace but lacked end product; his brother Inaki hit the bar.​

Oyarzabal’s leadership shone, while Javi López’s run drew the foul. As per Diario Vasco’s Sara Bilbao, “Kubo’s energy disrupted Athletic throughout, justifying his first-leg heroics.” Substitutes like Arsen Zakharyan added fresh legs for Sociedad.​

What Is Real Sociedad’s Road to the Final?

This marks Real Sociedad’s third Copa del Rey final appearance in six years. They overcame lower-tier sides early, then Girona in quarters. The final, likely in Seville on April 25, awaits Barcelona or Valencia’s victor.​

Coach Alguacil eyes silverware: “LaLiga form is solid; now the cup,” he said. Sociedad sit 5th in LaLiga, unbeaten in 8.

What Does This Mean for Athletic Club?

Elimination crushes Athletic’s double dream, having led LaLiga briefly. Valverde’s men now refocus on league and Europe. “Painful, but we learn,” captain Iñigo Martínez told Canal+.​

San Mamés hasn’t hosted a Copa final win since 1984; the loss stings fans.

How Does This Fit Basque Derby History?

The rivalry, rooted in Basque identity, has seen 50+ clashes. Athletic lead overall, but Sociedad’s cup edge grows. As noted by El Desmarque’s Javier Ruiz, “Oyarzabal’s penalty echoes historic moments in this fixture.”​

Both clubs field only Basque-qualified players, amplifying passion.

What Are the Broader Implications?

The result boosts Real Sociedad’s morale amid a top-6 LaLiga push. Athletic drop to 3rd, facing Real Madrid next. Copa del Rey viewership hit 5 million, per RTVE stats.​

Injuries minimal; Prados suspended for league clash.

Fan and Media Reactions?

Bilbao erupted in frustration; San Sebastián partied. Social media buzzed with #BasqueDerby. BBC Sport’s Guillem Balagué tweeted: “Masterclass in resilience from Sociedad.”​

Cardiff fans, tracking Athletic’s Welsh ties from 2013 friendlies, lament the exit.