MADRID, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Goalkeeper Unai Marrero was the hero as Real Sociedad beat Atletico Madrid on penalties to lift the Copa del Rey for the fourth time in the club's history on Saturday.

Marrero made a vital save late in normal time and then denied Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez in the penalty shootout, which Real Sociedad won 4-3 with Pablo Marin scoring the decisive kick after 120 minutes had finished 2-2.

A thrilling game got off to an incredible start as Real Sociedad scored the fastest goal in Copa del Rey final history. Atletico winger Giuliano Simeone misjudged a ball over his head, allowing Benat Turrientes to cross for Ander Barrenetxea, who headed the San Sebastian side in front after just 14 seconds.

Ademola Lookman was Atletico's most dangerous player, and it was no surprise when he equalized in the 19th minute, controlling a loose ball in the box and driving a low shot beyond Marrero.

Lookman and Antoine Griezmann combined well for Atletico, while Goncalo Guedes carried Real Sociedad's main threat. The Portuguese winger shot just wide before playing a key role in his side's second goal. Atletico keeper Juan Musso misjudged a punch and instead caught Guedes, conceding a clear penalty.

Captain Mikel Oyarzabal sent Musso the wrong way from the spot to restore La Real's lead on the stroke of halftime.

Atletico threw everything forward after the break. Lookman fired wide and Alvarez shot over, but Real Sociedad held firm in defense led by the impressive Jon Martin.

The introduction of Alex Baena and Thiago Almada gave Atletico ground as everyone committed virtually to attack. Alvarez finally equalized in the 82nd minute with a superb finish, letting the ball run across his body before drilling a low shot into the corner.

Atletico pressed hard for a winner in normal time, with Baena, Alvarez and Sorloth all going close, before Marrero produced an excellent save to deny Johnny Cardoso and force extra time.

In extra time Musso redeemed himself from his earlier error in the penalty with a fine double save to frustrate Orri Oskarsson from close range, while Alvarez unleashed another stunning effort that crashed off the top of the crossbar.

Both sides looked tired in the second half of extra time and the match drifted towards the penalty shootout, where Marrero and Marin sealed the night for Real Sociedad. ■