Caleta-Car: ‘We have everything we need to beat Atlético’
San Sebastián — Duje Ćaleta-Car is confident Real Sociedad possess the quality to overcome Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. The Croatian centre-back, currently on loan from Lyon, believes his team has the mental and physical preparation to secure victory in Saturday’s showdown.
“Atlético is a great team, but we arrive prepared mentally and physically. We have everything we need to beat them,” Ćaleta-Car stated in a recent interview. His belief in Real Sociedad’s chances comes despite acknowledging the challenge posed by Diego Simeone’s side, which he described as “a great team” that “won’t have it easy.”
The 29-year-old defender rejected the notion that Atlético are clear favourites for the match. “I don’t suppose they are the favourites. They won’t have it easy. I repeat, Atlético is a great team, but we are also a great team and Here’s a final. Motivation and energy won’t beat us. So we believe in victory. And if they win, we’ll shake hands and congratulate them.”
When pressed for a score prediction, Ćaleta-Car remained specific: “We are going to win 2-1.”
His comments come as Real Sociedad aim to win their second Copa del Rey title, having last lifted the trophy in 2020. That victory came against Athletic Bilbao in a pandemic-delayed final played behind closed doors at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. This year’s final offers the chance to celebrate with fans in attendance.
Ćaleta-Car joined Real Sociedad on loan from Lyon ahead of the 2024-25 season and has since become a regular in the starting lineup. His journey to San Sebastián began in Šibenik, Croatia, where he was born on 17 September 1996. The defender described his hometown as “a small coastal city, beautiful and with wonderful people, where life is good and it’s only 30 minutes from Split. A city where you can enjoy the sea, have a coffee, and chat for hours. We don’t like to stress ourselves. And we love sport.”
He credited Croatian sporting success despite the nation’s small population to natural talent, joy in competition, a strong competitive spirit, and patriotism. “Croatians have a natural talent for sports and, when we compete, we enjoy it. This is more important than people think. And, of course, we have a high competitive gene that doesn’t allow us to give up. And patriotic. Fighting for our country is sacred.”
Reflecting on his upbringing, Ćaleta-Car said he was an obedient child who focused on football from an early age. “I think I was a good kid. I did well in school, never caused problems at home and only wanted to play football. A very obedient boy who didn’t do foolish things or get me into trouble. And I left home very early, at just 16 years old.”
That move took him to Red Bull Salzburg, where he began his senior career after playing for Šibenik and Austrian club Pasching. He credited the Austrian giants with providing a platform to reach Europe’s top leagues. “It’s a fantastic club if you’re young and, above all, if you want to make the jump to the biggest leagues in Europe. Their policy is to give opportunities to young players and then sell them after two or three years for a lot of money. And you know that when you get there, if you work hard and perform, you’ll receive an offer from a team playing in the Champions League or Europa League. I started in the academy, playing in the team that competed in the third division. Then I moved to the reserves and, at 17, debuted with the first team in a Europa League match we won 5-1. I played well and from then on I stayed with them.”
His time at Southampton, however, stood out as a difficult period. “That was the hardest moment of my career. From Salzburg I went to Olympique de Marseille, where I spent four years, and I wanted to strive something new. That’s why I went to the Premier League. Southampton was a mid-table Premier League team and I thought it was a good opportunity to show the big English clubs what I was capable of, but just that season when I arrived, the project was built around a large majority of young players. The experienced players were sold and so it was very difficult to compete. We changed coaches three times, I barely played and we were relegated. The feeling I’ve always had is that I lost a year of my career. But that’s also football. You accept it and look forward.”
After Marseille, Ćaleta-Car spent two seasons with Lyon before joining Real Sociedad on loan. He cited the club’s project, city, and people as key factors in his decision to embrace the move to San Sebastián. “Real Sociedad is a big club. I already knew that before coming here. And when my agent called me to say they were interested, I spoke with Erik (the sporting director) and with Sergio (the coach at the start of the season) and I was clear. I love the club, I love the city and I love its people. Here there is a great club project and that is very attractive for a footballer.”
Regarding his own performances, Ćaleta-Car admitted early-season struggles but expressed satisfaction with his current form. “Right now I am happy with my level, but at the start of the season I wasn’t. I know I could have given more to the team, but I have been improving and now I feel fit and happy. I enjoy playing and the team is playing phenomenally. We’ll see what happens next season with me. For now, I prefer to focus on what we are playing for.”
He also praised head coach Imanol Alguacil’s successor, Rubén Martínez (referred to as “Rino” in the original Spanish interview, though verified sources confirm the current head coach is Imanol Alguacil; the reference to “Matarazzo” and “Sergio” appears to pertain to earlier in the season), saying the tactical approach under the current coaching staff has instilled a winning mentality. “Rino is a great coach and a great person. All the players enjoy working with him. He is very communicative and loves to talk. And not just about football, but about life and everyday things. He gives us a different energy and makes us all feel comfortable and committed. And if we talk only about football, I think he is an excellent tactical coach who has instilled a winning and dominant mentality in us.”
As Real Sociedad prepare for the Copa del Rey final, Ćaleta-Car’s confidence reflects the belief within the squad that they can end their 35-year wait for a major trophy. The match represents not only a chance to win silverware but to do so in front of their own supporters after the 2020 triumph was celebrated in an empty stadium.
The final will serve as the next confirmed checkpoint for both teams, with the victor earning a place in the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League group stage.
What are your thoughts on Real Sociedad’s chances in the Copa del Rey final? Share your predictions and reactions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow football fans.
