Atlético Madrid vs Real Sociedad: Copa del Rey Final 2026 – TV Channel, Live Stream & Kickoff Time
Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad will face off in the 2026 Copa del Rey final this Saturday, April 18, at La Cartuja stadium in Sevilla. The match kicks off at 21:00 local time (20:00 UTC) and will be broadcast live on Spanish national television.
The Copa del Rey final represents the culmination of the 122nd edition of Spain’s premier knockout competition, which began on September 27, 2025, with 126 participating teams. Both finalists advanced through a series of knockout rounds to reach this decisive match.
Match Details: Date, Time & Venue
The 2026 Copa del Rey final between Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Estadio Olímpico de Sevilla (La Cartuja) in Sevilla, Spain. Kickoff is set for 21:00 local Central European Summer Time (CEST), which corresponds to 20:00 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
La Cartuja stadium, officially known as the Estadio Olímpico de Sevilla, has a capacity of approximately 70,000 spectators and has previously hosted major football events, including Copa del Rey finals and international matches.
How to Watch: TV Channels & Live Streaming Options
For viewers in Spain, the Copa del Rey final will be available via multiple platforms:
- La 1 de Televisión Española (TVE)
- RTVE Play (streaming service of Televisión Española)
- Movistar+ (subscription sports platform)
Internationally, broadcast rights vary by territory. Viewers outside Spain should consult their local sports broadcasters or official club channels for availability in their region.
Historical Context: Previous Copa del Rey Final Meeting
This final marks a rematch of the 1987 Copa del Rey final, when these two clubs last met in the competition’s decisive match. According to verified historical records, the 1986-87 Copa del Rey final took place on June 27, 1987, at La Romareda stadium in Zaragoza.
That match ended 2-2 after extra time, with Real Sociedad prevailing 4-2 in the penalty shootout. The goals in regular and extra time were scored by López Ufarte (9′) and Txiki Begiristain (36′) for Real Sociedad and Da Silva (25′) and Rubio (74′) for Atlético Madrid.
The penalty shootout saw Real Sociedad convert through Bakero, Mujika, M. Begiristain, and Larrañaga, while Atlético Madrid’s Rubio, Da Silva, Landáburu, and Quique Ramos took their kicks, with the latter two missing for the Colchoneros.
That victory gave Real Sociedad their first Copa del Rey title under their modern name, adding to their earlier triumph as Ciclista Foot-Ball Club in 1909. The win complemented their La Liga titles in 1981 and 1982.
Route to the Final: 2025-26 Copa del Rey Campaign
Both Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad navigated the 122nd edition of the Copa del Rey to reach this final. The tournament began on September 27, 2025, and featured 126 teams from across the Spanish football pyramid competing in a single-elimination format.
While specific match details from earlier rounds are not available in the verified sources, both clubs successfully progressed through each stage to earn their place in the April 18 final at La Cartuja.
Recent Copa del Rey History for Both Clubs
Looking at recent history, Real Sociedad last won the Copa del Rey in 2020, defeating Athletic Club 1-0 in a pandemic-era final played behind closed doors at La Cartuja, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring the decisive goal.
Atlético Madrid’s most recent Copa del Rey triumph came in 2013, when they defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in extra time at the Santiago Bernabéu. Diego Godín headed the equalizer in regular time, and Filipe Miranda scored the winner in the 98th minute after the match was tied 1-1 following 90 minutes.
That 2013 victory marked Atlético Madrid’s tenth Copa del Rey title in their history. Since then, they have not won the competition, though they reached the final again in the 2024-25 season before losing to Athletic Club.
Team Information & Context
Atlético Madrid enters this final as the designated home team for administrative purposes, though the match is being held at a neutral venue in Sevilla. The club, based in Madrid, competes in La Liga and is known for its distinctive red and white striped jerseys.
Real Sociedad, hailing from San Sebastián in the Basque Country, wears blue and white stripes and also competes in La Liga. The club refers to its supporters as “donostiarras” (from Donostia, the Basque name for San Sebastián).
The fixture represents a clash between two of Spain’s historically significant clubs, each with strong regional identities and passionate fan bases.
What’s Next: Post-Match Outlook
Regardless of the outcome, both clubs will return to their La Liga campaigns following the Copa del Rey final. The competition winner earns automatic qualification for the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League group stage, unless they have already qualified for the UEFA Champions League through league position, in which case the Europa League spot passes to the next highest-placed team in La Liga not already qualified for European competition.
The victorious team will also earn the right to compete in the 2026 Supercopa de España against the La Liga champions (or runners-up if the same team wins both competitions).
How to Follow the Match
For live updates and comprehensive coverage of the Copa del Rey final, fans can follow official club channels, La Liga’s digital platforms, and reputable sports news outlets. Post-match analysis, highlights, and full match reports will be available through the broadcasting partners listed above.
As with all major football fixtures, viewers are encouraged to verify broadcast details through official sources closer to match day, as scheduling and availability can occasionally change.
The Copa del Rey final represents one of the most prestigious domestic honors in Spanish football, and this year’s edition promises to add another chapter to the storied histories of both Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad.
What are your predictions for this historic Copa del Rey final rematch? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
