Atletico Madrid Clash With Real Sociedad in Epic Copa del Rey Final: Key Predictions, Tactical Breakdown, and Expected Lineups

Spanish football's oldest and most prestigious cup competition will be on the line this Saturday evening as Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad face off at the Estadio La Cartuja in the Copa del Rey final.

La Liga fixtures will pause to make room for the standalone showdown between two of Spain's most storied clubs.

Atlético Madrid are chasing their first Copa del Rey crown since their memorable victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabéu in the 2012–13 final. Having eliminated Barcelona in both the Champions League quarterfinals and the Copa del Rey semifinals, Diego Simeone's squad arrives brimming with belief as they seek their first piece of silverware since 2021.

Coincidentally, 2021 also marks the last time Real Sociedad got their hands on the Copa del Rey. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, La Real were forced to wait until April 2021 to claim the 2019–20 Copa del Rey, only to be dethroned by Barcelona just a fortnight later as 2020–21 champions. After seeing off Basque rivals Athletic Club in the semifinals, Pellegrino Matarazzo's squad now looks to secure a fourth Copa title—and hold onto the crown for a full calendar year.

This represents the best chance either side has had to claim a trophy in the past five years, setting up what promises to be a captivating Copa del Rey final this Saturday night.

Atlético Madrid vs. Real Sociedad Score Prediction

Atléti End Five-Year Trophy Drought

The 2025–26 Copa del Rey final looks set to be a tightly contested battle that could ultimately be settled by the finest of margins.

That said, Simeone boasts greater individual talent at his disposal, which should prove decisive come Saturday night. While Real Sociedad have shown marked improvement since Matarazzo took charge at the start of the year, it may not be sufficient to topple an Atlético Madrid side riding a wave of momentum heading into the final.

It will be far from straightforward and both sides will have their spells, but Atlético Madrid should ultimately return to the Spanish capital with their 11th Copa del Rey title in tow.

Prediction: Atlético Madrid 2–1 Real Sociedad

Atlético Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Real Sociedad

Simeone has settled on his preferred starting eleven in recent weeks, and having rotated several key players in recent La Liga outings, the majority of those who started midweek against Barcelona are expected to feature again at La Cartuja on Saturday.

Marc Pubill stepping in for Clement Lenglet alongside Robin Le Normand at center back could be the sole adjustment Simeone makes, particularly with Dávid Hancko sidelined through injury. With Pubill deployed centrally, Nahuel Molina is set to start at right back and the versatile Marcos Llorente in midfield.

Juan Musso is also expected to retain his spot in goal despite Jan Oblak's return from injury. Johnny Cardoso and notably Pablo Barrios may be available after recovering from their respective injuries, though Simeone could choose to stick with the in-form midfield partnership that guided Atléti through the Champions League.

In attack, Griezmann and Julián Álvarez lead the front line with Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone on the flanks, though a substitute appearance from Sørloth could prove to be the difference-maker in the final.

Atlético Madrid predicted lineup vs. Real Sociedad (4-4-2): Musso; Molina, Pubill, Le Normand, Ruggeri; Simeone, Llorente, Koke, Lookman; Griezmann, Álvarez.

Real Sociedad Predicted Lineup vs. Atlético Madrid

Real Sociedad are contending with defensive injury concerns, as Igor Zubeldia has joined Álvaro Odriozola on the treatment table. Jon Aramburu and Jon Martín are expected to fill in for the pair, as they have done in recent matches.

Japan international Takefusa Kubo made his first appearance since January at the weekend and could earn a recall to the starting XI. However, Matarazzo may choose to deploy him from the bench in the second half, with Ander Barrenetxea starting on the right wing and Portugal international Gonçalo Guedes on the opposite flank.

Real Sociedad's key man Mikel Oyarzabal will spearhead the attack after being rested last weekend, with Brais Méndez operating in the hole behind him. Carlos Soler and Beñat Turrientes will form the midfield base.

Meanwhile, while Álex Remiro may be vying for a World Cup spot with Spain, Unai Marrero has been the preferred Copa del Rey goalkeeper throughout the campaign and is expected to retain that role in the final.

Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs. Atlético Madrid (4-2-3-1): Marrero; Aramburu, Martín, Caleta-Car, Gómez; Turrientes, Soler; Barrenetxea, Méndez, Guedes; Oyarzabal.

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