Why Real Sociedad’s greatest side never reached a Copa final | OneFootball

The Ormaetxea-era Real Sociedad that dominated the early eighties never reached a Copa del Rey final, a gap shaped by the competition’s format, timing and fine margins.

According to Diario Vasco, the club’s major cup moments belong elsewhere: Ciclista FC’s 1909 triumph with McGuinness, Simmons and the Sena brothers, the three Santander meetings of 1928 with eight internationals, Bernabéu finals against Barcelona in 1951 and 1988, and trophies in Zaragoza and Seville.

Some stalwarts later won at La Romareda under Toshack. Arconada, Gorriz, Zamora and López Ufarte started both league title XIs and that cup final, though, aside from Gorriz, the others had already peaked. Gajate, Larrañaga and Bakero were squad players.

From 1979 to 1983 Real twice made the semi-finals. The cup began in September with two-legged ties, top-flight teams entered immediately, and the last rounds came in May after the league. A run to the final meant 10-plus games for 16-17 man squads.

The starkest blow came in 1979-80. Real beat Castilla 2-1 at Atocha despite Agustín’s heroics, then 100,000 packed the Bernabéu and the hosts led 2-0 at the break. Gajate was sent off, López Ufarte missed a penalty and Satrústegui had a legitimate goal ruled out, after dumping Barcelona earlier.

In 1981 they lost in Seville three days after clinching the league in Gijón. In 1982 Satrústegui made it 1-0 in Atocha against Real Madrid, Juanito equalised on 89, extra time stayed goalless and Kortabarria missed the decisive penalty. In 1983 Maradona scored in both legs to end another semi-final bid.

Source: Diario Vasco