Preview, team news, head‑to‑head, probable line‑ups, tactical analysis and where to watch Atlético Madrid vs Real Sociedad in Saturday’s Copa del Rey final
Seville becomes the epicentre of Spanish football this Saturday, April 18, at 21:00 CEST (20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT) as Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad clash in the Copa del Rey final. For Diego Simeone’s side, the trip to the Estadio de La Cartuja represents the end of a 13-year exile from this final, having last lifted the trophy in 2013.
Atlético reached this stage after a dramatic semi-final victory over Barcelona, where a heroic second-leg defensive display secured their progress despite a 3-0 defeat at the Camp Nou. Much of the focus will naturally be on Antoine Griezmann, who is aiming to
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, enter the final looking to replicate their 2021 glory. The Basque side secured their place in Seville by overcoming their Basque rivals Athletic Club in the semi-finals, winning both legs to advance 2-0 on aggregate. With both sides separated by narrow margins in the league, this final promises to be a tactically dense affair.
Team news & injury updates
Atlético Madrid
Pablo Barrios, David Hancko and Jose Giménez are doubtful, while Johnny Cardoso returned to action off the bench in Tuesday’s clash against Barcelona. Jan Oblak is fit again and could reclaim his starting spot after a short absence, though Juan Musso‘s heroics in the semi-final have given Simeone a genuine selection headache in goal.
Real Sociedad
Álvaro Odriozola remains sidelined, with Igor Zubeldia and Yangel Herrera being doubtful ahead of the upcoming final. Meanwhile, coach Pellegrino Matarazzo has seen Mikel Oyarzabal train after missing the game against Deportivo Alavés.
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Head-to-head (H2H) record
Meetings between these two have been notoriously tight this season. While Atlético secured a 3-2 victory at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in March, the reverse fixture at Anoeta ended in a 1-1 stalemate, highlighting how little there is to choose between the sides in 2026.
Last 5 meetings:
- 07/03/2026: Atlético Madrid 3-2 Real Sociedad (LaLiga)
- 04/01/2026: Real Sociedad 1-1 Atlético Madrid (LaLiga)
- 10/05/2025: Atlético Madrid 4-0 Real Sociedad (LaLiga)
- 06/10/2024: Atlético Madrid 1-1 Real Sociedad (LaLiga)
- 25/05/2024: Real Sociedad 0-2 Atlético Madrid (LaLiga)
Probable line-ups
| Position | Atlético Madrid Predicted XI | Real Sociedad Predicted XI |
| Goalkeeper | Musso | Remiro |
| Defence | Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri | Aramburu, Martin, Caleta-Car, Gomez |
| Midfield | Simeone, Llorente, Koke, Lookman | Turrientes, Soler, Mendez |
| Attack | Griezmann, Álvarez | Susic, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea |
Tactical analysis: how the game will be won
Resilience vs technical rhythm
The final will likely be a battle for the centre of the pitch. Atlético will look to utilise Marcos Llorente to stretch the play and create overloads for Julián Álvarez. Simeone’s strategy often involves surrendering possession to launch rapid vertical counters. Meanwhile, the Basque side can pull Atlético’s backline out of position.
Where to watch Atlético Madrid vs Real Sociedad
The 124th Copa del Rey final kicks off this Saturday, April 18, at 21:00 local time (CET) in Seville. In the United Kingdom, fans can watch the match live on Premier Sports.
In the United States, the final is a marquee broadcast on ESPN, which holds the exclusive rights to the competition. Kick-off for US audiences is scheduled for 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT.
Market insights & probability
According to current market data, Atlético Madrid enter the final as slight favourites with a 39% win probability in normal time. Real Sociedad’s chances of a victory within 90 minutes are rated at 33%, while the draw sits at 28%. Both teams to score looks like a solid option, having occurred in seven of the last nine meetings between the sides.