In this Copa del Rey tie, Atlético Madrid prevailed after a dramatic 2-2 draw in regular time, winning 3-2 on penalties. Real Sociedad opened early, Atlético struck back before the break, and the contest remained level into extra time before the shootout decided it. The data point that stands out is Atlético’s successful penalty conversion after a tightly contested second half.

Real Sociedad showed early attacking intent, taking the lead at 00:24 of the first half and pushing the tempo with rapid transitions. Atlético Madrid answered quickly, leveling at 00:18:12, demonstrating a resilient and structured buildup under pressure. By the end of the first half, Sociedad still led 1-2 after their late strike at 00:45:11, signaling a high-intensity duel rather than a tactical standoff.

In the second half, Atlético maintained an even contest by preventing a clean break from Real Sociedad, eventually pulling level at 01:22:36 to force extra time. The match statistics show Real Sociedad committing more fouls (13) than Atlético (10), suggesting a higher defensive intensity and rearguard commitment Under the surface, Real Sociedad’s greater running and set-piece activity did not translate into a decisive goal in extra time, leaving the shootout as the decisive factor.

From a disciplinary standpoint, both sides avoided red cards, but Sociedad earned three yellow cards to Atlético’s two, indicating tighter moments of risk in the second half and overtime. Corner kicks were closely contested (6 for Sociedad, 5 for Atlético), reflecting a balanced approach to offensive set-pieces with neither side producing a clear numerical advantage in dead-ball scenarios. The absence of recorded goalkeeping saves data limits precise evaluation of shot-stopping, but the shootout result highlights Atlético’s composure under pressure.

Tactically, Real Sociedad’s early lead and higher foul count point to a willingness to press and win duels in the final third, while Atlético’s organizational discipline allowed them to stabilize after conceding and later neutralize Sociedad’s direct play. The penalty drama underscores the importance of psychological resilience and penalty preparation for both squads, with Atlético ultimately converting when it mattered most. For bettors, the overlying narrative is that momentum swung on moments of individual composure in shootouts and the ability to withstand early pressure before restoring parity in a high-variance cup contest.

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