Larrañaga sensed a Zaragoza repeat as Real Sociedad relive 1987 spirit | OneFootball

Real Sociedad lifted their fourth Copa del Rey at La Cartuja, defeating Atlético de Madrid on penalties after a 2-2 draw, a night that uncannily mirrored 1987. According to Diario Vasco, club greats Roberto López Ufarte, Jesús Mari Zamora, Juanan Larrañaga and José Mari Bakero hailed the win and the same pillars, academy, bravery and an immense fanbase.

López Ufarte experienced the week from inside the delegation and spoke of unflagging warmth from supporters and faultless institutional respect. He felt the team’s game management was spot on and that the players richly deserved the trophy, while the supporters were extraordinary.

Zamora admitted he suffered in the stands, saying living a final from there was new and overwhelming for him. He believes some players are only now grasping the scale of what they achieved.

Larrañaga said he had a hunch it would play out like Zaragoza in 1987 and told his family as much. He thanked those who travelled long distances at significant cost, and those who followed from Gipuzkoa, stressing the Cup also belongs to them.

Bakero pointed to the impact of head coach Matarazzo, praising his courage and drawing a parallel with Toshack. He felt an even contest tilted in extra time as Atlético began to fade, and that Real’s focus from 12 yards proved decisive. The legends also underlined Zubieta’s influence, with praise for Unai Marrero, Oyarzabal, Jon Martín and Turrientes as proof the academy’s roots remain strong.

Source: Diario Vasco