Unai Marrero crowned Real Sociedad hero after Copa del Rey triumph | OneFootball

La Cartuja was the stage for a wild night as Unai Marrero, 24, delivered a commanding display to clinch the Copa del Rey for Real Sociedad against Atlético de Madrid. The Azpeitia goalkeeper’s calm in the decisive moments set off scenes of jubilation in Sevilla.

According to AS, while Álex Remiro has guarded the Real Sociedad goal for seven seasons, this cup run bore Marrero’s name. An ill-timed injury cost him one tie, yet he fought back to finish what he began after saving two penalties at El Sadar in the round of 16 against Osasuna.

On the pitch in Sevilla he oozed personality, playing with the freedom that lifted his team and crowd. Team-mate Ander Barrenetxea noted that taking the shootout in front of their end suited him, and Marrero said he felt in his element despite the tension.

He added that a crib sheet helped with his research, and that he tried to read the late spot-kicks even if he did not quite sense them. Named MVP of the final, he received the award from Adidas sports marketing director Iván Barberán, with praise from Zubieta echoed by president Jokin Aperribay and by Matarazzo, who stressed his infectious energy and said the saves were no accident.

Since debuting at Anoeta on 2 January 2024 against Deportivo Alavés, his rise has been steady. Remiro’s deal runs to 2027 with his future unclear, while Marrero has clocked 12 Copa appearances and Europa League outings, and is under contract until 2030.

The triumph rewards a homegrown goalkeeper whose resilience resonated with the txuri-urdin. After the team returned to San Sebastián, he left Zubieta to adoration and a chant of his name that rolled like a tamborrada.

Source: AS