Former finalists Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad will face off in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, marking the second major title decider in Spain this season after the Super Cup. Real Sociedad emerged victorious in the 2020 Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao with a 1-0 win, and this final will be the first attended by their supporters since 1987 when they defeated Atletico Madrid on penalties after a 2-2 draw in extra time.
Atletico Madrid’s last Copa del Rey triumph dates back to 2013 when they defeated arch-rivals Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Atletico advanced to the final with a thrilling 4-3 aggregate victory over FC Barcelona, while Real Sociedad eliminated local rival Athletic Bilbao with 1-0 wins in both legs.
A win for Real Sociedad in the final would secure them a spot in next season’s Europa League. Meanwhile, Atletico, who are well-placed in La Liga, could keep their domestic and European Cup double hopes alive with a victory on Saturday. The match holds significance for Antoine Griezmann, Atletico’s top scorer, as he aims to conclude his successful tenure with the club by clinching the Copa before departing for Orlando City in Major League Soccer (MLS) next season.
The French World Cup winner remains a pivotal player for Atletico due to his exceptional vision and playmaking abilities. In addition to Griezmann, Atletico will rely on Julian Alvarez and Ademola Lookman for goals, as well as the industrious Marcos Llorente to disrupt Sociedad in midfield or at right back. The final, set to take place at La Cartuja Stadium, will see Sociedad in nearly full strength following the return of forward Take Kubo, while Atletico may be without injured center backs David Hancko and Jose Maria Gimenez, with former Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand likely to feature for Atletico.
