Stars Abroad: Ochieng’ makes history as Sociedad lift Copa del Rey after dramatic final
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 19.04.26. | 12:05
Although Ochieng' missed the final due to an injury picked up while on international duty with Harambee Stars during the FIFA Series in Rwanda, his contribution to the cup run remains significant
Harambee Stars winger Job Ochieng' has etched his name into history as the first Kenyan to win a major trophy in Spain after Real Sociedad clinched the Copa del Rey with a dramatic 4-3 penalty-shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.
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The final, played at La Cartuja Stadium on Saturday night, had ended 2-2 after extra time, setting up a tense shootout that eventually swung Sociedad’s way.
Although Ochieng' missed the final due to an injury picked up while on international duty with Harambee Stars during the FIFA Series in Rwanda, his contribution to the cup run remains significant.
The winger featured in the semi-finals as Sociedad eliminated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 on aggregate and has been a consistent presence for Real Sociedad B, where he has established himself as a key attacking figure while also earning call-ups to the senior matchday squad.
The final itself delivered drama from the opening whistle. Sociedad struck just 14 seconds into the match through Ander Barrenetxea, handing them a dream start.
Atlético responded well, with Ademola Lookman leveling matters in the 19th minute after combining neatly with Antoine Griezmann.
Sociedad regained the lead just before the break when Juan Musso brought down Goncalo Guedes in the box, allowing captain Mikel Oyarzabal to convert from the spot deep into stoppage time.
Atletico kept pushing and finally got a late equalizer when Julian Alvarez scored seven minutes from the end of the game to force extra time and keep Diego Simeone's team in the game.
Extra time produced chances at both ends, but neither side could find a winner.
Musso made a crucial double save to deny Luka Sucic and Orri Oskarsson, while Alvarez went close again for Atletico, sending the match to penalties.
In the shootout, Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero emerged as the hero, saving Atletico’s first two penalties from Alexander Sorloth and Alvarez to hand his side the advantage.
Although Musso managed to stop one effort, Pablo Marin stepped up to convert the decisive kick.
For Sociedad, the victory marked their fourth Copa del Rey title and their first in front of fans since their 2021 triumph, which had been played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.