The 1928 Copa del Rey final was remarkable for being decided only after three matches between Barcelona and Real Sociedad. The first game on June 20 ended in a 1-1 draw, and the replay two days later finished with the same score. With no extra time or penalty shootouts enshrined in the rules then, a third decisive match was scheduled.
All three matches took place within just over a week at the El Sardinero stadium in Santander. In the first final, Napoleon Samitier scored for Barcelona, while Piera netted in the replay. The third and final match, played on June 29, saw Barcelona score three times in less than 25 minutes through Samitier, Arocha, and Sastre, securing the trophy.
According to José Torrens' detailed report in "El Mundo Deportivo," the first goal came when “at the eight-minute mark Castillo advanced a pass to Samitier, who performed a personal dribble past Marculeta and two defenders, firing a precise long-range shot that grazed the post and entered the net.” Real Sociedad equalized through a penalty converted by Zaldúa. However, Barcelona regained the lead thanks to a dangerous cross by Piera that Izaguirre could only weakly parry, letting the ball fall to Arocha who finished.
The third goal arrived before halftime after a free-kick. Carulla launched a long, lofted pass; Samitier feigned a header and deceived Izaguirre with his body, allowing the ball to drop for Sastre, who scored unchallenged. The 3-1 scoreline held until the final whistle.
Following their cup victory, Barcelona players were treated to a banquet. Before departing to Bilbao en route back to Barcelona, captain Pepe Samitier sent a telegram to the city’s mayor, the Baron of Viver, offering him the trophy.
This final remains a unique chapter, showcasing a lengthy and hard-fought cup decider in an era before extra time and penalty shootouts, and it holds a special place in the club’s rich history.
