Griezmann and Atlético Face Real Sociedad in Copa del Rey Final – Live Update

Updated: April 6, 2025 | 18:30 CET | Seville, Spain

Antoine Griezmann and Atlético Madrid are set to face Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final this Saturday at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. The match kicks off at 21:00 local time (19:00 UTC). Both teams enter the final with contrasting fortunes this season, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter that could define their campaigns.

Match Context and Stakes

Atlético Madrid, under Diego Simeone, have secured a Champions League spot for next season but have struggled in domestic cup competitions recently. Their last Copa del Rey triumph came in 2013, and they aim to end an 11-year drought. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, are seeking their first major trophy since 1987 and have been in impressive form, topping their La Liga group and advancing through the Copa with convincing victories.

The final represents a significant opportunity for both clubs. For Atlético, a win would validate their season despite inconsistent league performances. For Real Sociedad, it would mark a historic breakthrough and cement their status as one of Spain’s emerging powers.

Team News and Key Players

Atlético Madrid will be without suspended defender José María Giménez, who picked up his second yellow card in the semifinal against Barcelona. Antoine Griezmann is expected to start after recovering from a minor hamstring strain that limited his playing time in recent La Liga matches. Griezmann has been instrumental in Atlético’s cup run, scoring four goals and providing three assists in the tournament.

Real Sociedad will have their full squad available, including standout performers Mikel Oyarzabal and Alexander Sørloth. Sørloth has been in scintillating form, netting eight goals in the Copa del Rey this season, including a brace in the semifinal against Valencia. Oyarzabal, the team captain, has contributed five goals and four assists in the competition.

Tactical Analysis

Diego Simeone is likely to deploy his signature 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity and quick transitions. Atlético’s midfield will look to control the tempo through Rodrigo De Paul and Koke, whereas Griezmann and Álvaro Morata will lead the line. The team’s strategy will focus on neutralizing Real Sociedad’s attacking threats, particularly the interplay between Oyarzabal and Sørloth.

Real Sociedad’s coach Imanol Alguacil is expected to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. The team will look to dominate possession and create chances through their attacking midfield trio of Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, and Takefusa Kubo. Their high-pressing game aims to disrupt Atlético’s build-up play and force errors in dangerous areas.

The tactical battle will be crucial, as both teams possess distinct strengths. Atlético’s experience in high-pressure matches versus Real Sociedad’s youthful energy and tactical flexibility could prove decisive.

Historical Context

This will be the first-ever Copa del Rey final between Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad. The two clubs have met 15 times in all competitions this season, with Atlético winning seven, Real Sociedad winning six, and two draws. Their most recent encounter was a 2-2 draw in La Liga on March 2, 2025, at the Reale Arena.

Historically, Atlético Madrid has won the Copa del Rey 10 times, with their last victory in 2013. Real Sociedad has won the trophy twice, in 1909 and 1987, making this final a chance for them to secure their third title and end a 38-year wait.

Match Preview and Key Battles

Several key individual battles could shape the outcome of the final. The duel between Griezmann and Real Sociedad’s left-back Aihen Muñoz will be critical, as Muñoz has been tasked with containing Atlético’s star forward throughout the season. In midfield, the contest between Koke and Zubimendi will influence which team controls the game’s tempo.

Another crucial matchup is between Morata and Real Sociedad’s center-backs Robin Le Normand and Igor Zubeldia. Morata’s ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play will be vital for Atlético’s attacking strategy. Meanwhile, Sørloth’s physical presence and goal-scoring threat will test Atlético’s defensive pairing of Clément Lenglet and Reinildo Mandava.

Live Updates and How to Follow

For real-time updates on the Copa del Rey final, fans can follow the official La Liga website and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) social media channels. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN+ in the United States, BBC Sport in the United Kingdom, and Movistar+ in Spain. Live commentary and statistics will also be available through the La Liga app and official club websites.

As the match approaches, both sets of fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling contest. The atmosphere at the Estadio de La Cartuja is expected to be electric, with supporters from both clubs creating a vibrant backdrop for the final.

What’s Next

Regardless of the outcome, both teams will turn their attention to the remaining La Liga fixtures. Atlético Madrid will aim to consolidate their Champions League position, while Real Sociedad will look to secure a European spot for next season. The next official update on the match will be the post-match press conference, scheduled for approximately 23:30 local time (21:30 UTC) on Saturday.

Stay tuned to Archysport for live coverage, post-match analysis, and exclusive insights into the Copa del Rey final. Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using #CopaDelReyFinal.