Today, Atlético Madrid faces Real Sociedad in a crucial Copa del Rey final. The match will take place at the Metropolitano Stadium, starting at 18:30 local time. Referee Adrián Cordero Vega from Cantabria will officiate the game. This matchup is a repeat of their previous encounter in La Cartuja on April 18.
Copa Final Preview: Atlético Madrid vs. Real Sociedad
After a strong display in the semifinals, Atlético Madrid secured their spot in the final thanks to a 4-0 lead from the first leg against Barcelona. The team’s defensive tactics proved effective, even though fans expressed concerns about their overall performance. Despite struggles on the pitch, they managed to reclaim third place in La Liga, capitalizing on Villarreal’s recent losses.
Key Players to Watch
Antoine Griezmann’s contributions continue to be vital for Atlético as they eye a potential league title. For Real Sociedad, their American coach Rino Matarazzo has revived a team once fighting relegation, guiding them to the Copa del Rey final. Matarazzo remarked on the remarkable turnaround since his first match with the team on January 4. The triumph came thanks to Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored the decisive penalty that advanced Real Sociedad to the final after five years without a title.
Real Sociedad’s Form
Real Sociedad arrives confident, currently sitting eighth in La Liga with 35 points. They have shown remarkable ability to win games without dominating possession. The team has adopted a vertical playing style, which has benefited players like Gonçalo Guedes. Guedes has been instrumental, starting in 11 of the 13 matches under Matarazzo, contributing 4 goals and 5 assists in 2026.
Goalkeeping Battle
The matchup features two impressive goalkeepers. Atlético’s Jan Oblak is celebrated as one of the best in the world and ranks as the second-best goalkeeper in La Liga this season in terms of goals conceded. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad’s Álex Remiro returns to the lineup after recent substitution, showcasing improved performance with his sights set on securing clean sheets.
Predicted Lineups
| Atlético Madrid | Real Sociedad |
|---|---|
| Jan Oblak | Álex Remiro |
| Marcos Llorente | Aramburu |
| Pubill | Jon Martín |
| Hancko | Caleta-Car |
| Ruggeri | Sergio Gómez |
| Giuliano | Carlos Soler |
| Koke | Gorrotxategi |
| Cardoso | Yangel Herrera |
| Baena | Pablo Marín |
| Sorloth | Oyarzabal |
| Lookman | Guedes |
This Copa del Rey final promises to be an exciting encounter between two formidable teams. Fans eagerly anticipate how each side will approach this pivotal match at the Metropolitano Stadium.
