The Copa del Rey final is set to take place at 21:00 CEST in Seville’s La Cartuja stadium, featuring a clash between Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad. Both teams are eager to secure silverware, marking their first major trophy in five years. Los Colchoneros are making their return to the Copa final for the first time since their victory in 2013, while La Real lifted the trophy in 2021.
Ahead of the match, Real Sociedad’s manager, Pellegrino Matarazzo, expressed optimism regarding his squad’s fitness, confirming that Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Jon Gorrotxategi are fit to start. However, Arsen Zakharyan, Alvaro Odriozola, and Igor Zubeldia will be unavailable for the final.
Meanwhile, Diego Simeone noted that his Atletico Madrid side has returned to focus after securing a Champions League semi-final spot. David Hancko and Pablo Barrios are back to full fitness for Atletico, and Marc Pubill is available after serving a suspension. The only player ruled out for Atletico is Jose Maria Gimenez, who is still recovering from an injury.
Atletico Madrid Expected to Make Minimal Changes
Despite the intense physical demands of their recent match against Barcelona, Diego Simeone is anticipated to make only one change to his Atletico Madrid lineup, according to reports. Pubill is expected to step in for Clement Lenglet in the defense. Sources indicate that Atletico will maintain their established midfield pairing of Marcos Llorente and Koke Resurreccion, even with the return of Johnny Cardoso.
Real Sociedad to Start Without Key Midfielders
For Real Sociedad, manager Pellegrino Matarazzo is likely to opt for a more defensively solid midfield, with Carlos Soler positioned ahead of Gorrotxategi and Benat Turrientes. This arrangement may leave no room for Luka Sucic or Brais Mendez in the starting eleven. Although Takefusa Kubo has returned to fitness and played a portion of the previous match, Ander Barrenetxea and Goncalo Guedes are expected to retain their places on the wings.
With Zubeldia sidelined, the Croatian international Duje Caleta-Car is set to partner Jon Martin in defense, representing the primary alteration to Real Sociedad’s typical starting backline.
