Atlético Madrid vs Real Sociedad 2026 Copa del Rey Final: Starting XI & News

The 2026 Copa del Rey Final between Atlético Madrid vs Real Sociedad is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 21:00 CEST (4:00 PM ET). The match will be played at the Estadio de La Cartuja (Seville) in Spain — the traditional neutral venue for the Copa del Rey final.

This is a highly anticipated all-Spanish cup final. Atlético Madrid are chasing their 12th Copa del Rey title (first since 2023), while Real Sociedad are looking for their first major trophy since 2020 and only their third Copa del Rey in club history.

Atleti are coming off a high-intensity midweek Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona, where they advanced to the semi-finals on aggregate despite a 2–1 second-leg defeat.

Unlike Atleti, Real Sociedad have had a full week to prepare, having last played in a 3–3 draw against Deportivo Alavés on 11 April. 

The 2025-26 Copa del Rey match will begin before an audience of over 70,000 fans, creating a vibrant atmosphere for Spain’s largest domestic cup final.

Atlético Madrid vs Real Sociedad Match Details, Date, Time, Predictions, Lineups & More

• Tournament: Copa del Rey Final (2025–26)
• Match Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
• Time: 21:00 CEST
• Venue: Estadio de La Cartuja
• Location: Seville, Spain

Atlético reached the final after defeating Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate, while Real Sociedad secured their place by beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 on aggregate. Both teams have shown strong knockout form, setting up a tightly balanced final.

Team News and Analysis

Atlético Madrid

Diego Simeone’s side head into the final with momentum after strong performances in both domestic and European competitions. Reports suggest the entire squad is traveling, although defenders José María Giménez and Dávid Hancko are doubts due to injury.

Atlético’s strength lies in their balance — defensive solidity combined with quick transitions. Players like Antoine Griezmann, Julián Álvarez, and Marcos Llorente give them attacking versatility, while their experience in big finals could be decisive.

Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad arrive in solid form, with reports indicating 11 wins in their last 18 matches heading into the final.

Led by key figures like Mikel Oyarzabal, Takefusa Kubo, and Martin Zubimendi, Sociedad rely on structured build-up play and technical midfield control. Their ability to stay compact and hit on transitions could trouble Atlético.

Head-to-Head Record

• Last meeting: Atlético Madrid 3-2 Real Sociedad (La Liga, March 2026)
• Previous Copa final: Real Sociedad won (1987, penalties)

Overall, recent meetings have been competitive, with Atlético holding a slight edge in recent encounters.

Atlético Madrid vs Real Sociedad Starting XI

• Atletico Madrid’s starting lineup XI vs Real Sociedad: Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Llorente, Koke, Lookman; Alvarez, Griezmann
• Real Sociedad starting lineup XI vs Atletico Madrid: Marrero; Aramburu, Martin, Elustondo, Gomez; Soler, Turrientes; Sucic, Mendez, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal

Key Players to Watch

• Atlético Madrid: Antoine Griezmann – experience and creativity in big matches
• Real Sociedad: Mikel Oyarzabal – captain and decisive in knockout games

Match Prediction

This final is expected to be tight and tactical. Atlético’s experience in big matches and squad depth give them a slight advantage, but Real Sociedad’s discipline and attacking quality make them dangerous opponents.

Prediction: Atlético Madrid 2-1 Real Sociedad

Where to Watch Atlético Madrid vs Real Sociedad

FAQ – Atlético Madrid vs Real Sociedad