Harambee Stars forward Job Ochieng was part of the Real Sociedad squad that lifted the Copa del Rey title after a dramatic final against Atlético Madrid on April 18 in Seville.
Real Sociedad secured the trophy after a tense penalty shootout, following a 2-2 draw across normal and extra time. The match burst into life almost immediately, with Ander Barrenetxea giving Sociedad the lead inside the opening minute through a looping header. However, Ademola Lookman equalised 17 minutes later to bring Atlético back into the contest.
The momentum shifted again just before halftime when goalkeeper Juan Musso conceded a penalty, which Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted to restore Sociedad’s advantage. Atlético refused to back down, and Julián Álvarez produced a late strike seven minutes from time to force the match into extra time.
With neither side able to find a winner, the final was decided on penalties. Goalkeeper Unai Marrero emerged as the hero, saving spot-kicks from Alexander Sørloth and Álvarez. Pablo Marín then stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, sealing Sociedad’s first major trophy in six years.
Will Job Ochieng get Copa del Rey medal?
Although Ochieng did not feature in the final due to injury, he is still likely to receive a winners’ medal. The forward picked up a muscle problem while on international duty with Harambee Stars during the FIFA Series in Rwanda, which ruled him out of the showdown.
Despite limited minutes with the senior team this season, Ochieng made an appearance in the competition, coming off the bench during the semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao. Under Copa del Rey rules, the winning side typically receives around 40 medals to distribute among players and staff, meaning his contribution should earn him recognition.
Data from ESPN indicates that fewer than 30 players featured for Sociedad in the tournament, with Ochieng among them, strengthening his chances of receiving a medal. He also made his La Liga debut earlier in the season against Elche CF.
