Real Sociedad honour Aitor Zabaleta after Copa del Rey triumph | OneFootball

Real Sociedad marked their Copa del Rey triumph over Atlético de Madrid by honouring Aitor Zabaleta, a supporter killed in 1998.

The final ended 2-2 in Seville on Saturday, with the Basque club winning 4-3 on penalties. As reported by L'Équipe, the celebrations carried special meaning.

Players placed a shirt bearing Aitor Zabaleta’s name and the number 12, a symbol of the supporters, on the trophy. The cup, dressed in the shirt, was then raised to the sky and towards the Real fans.

Zabaleta, aged 28, was fatally stabbed in December 1998 near the Vicente-Calderon, ahead of a European tie between Real Sociedad and Atlético de Madrid. The tragedy left a deep mark on Spanish football and strained relations between the clubs.

Before kick-off, blue and white sections unveiled a huge tifo in his image, in club colours and those of the Basque Country. More than 27 years later, the club linked their fourth crown in the competition to a tribute to their supporter.

Source: L'Équipe