Copa del Rey Final: Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad Eyeing Victory with Minimal Lineup Changes
Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad are set to clash in the Copa del Rey final at 21:00 CEST in Seville's La Cartuja stadium, with both clubs aiming to secure their first major trophy in five years. This marks Atletico's return to the Copa final since their last triumph in 2013, while Real Sociedad lifted the trophy in 2021.
Real Sociedad's coach, Pellegrino Matarazzo, expressed optimism regarding his squad's readiness, 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 match.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid's manager, Diego Simeone, indicated that his team has refocused after securing a spot in the Champions League semi-finals. David Hancko and Pablo Barrios are back in contention, and Marc Pubill returns from suspension. The only player sidelined for Atletico is Jose Maria Gimenez, who is still recovering from an injury.
Atletico Madrid Expected to Maintain Stability
Despite the demanding physical exertion from their recent match against Barcelona, Simeone is anticipated to make only one alteration to his lineup. According to reports, Pubill is likely to replace Clement Lenglet in the defense. It is also expected that Marcos Llorente and Koke Resurreccion will retain their midfield roles, even with the return of Johnny Cardoso.
Real Sociedad to Consider Tactical Midfield and Attacking Options
For Real Sociedad, Matarazzo is reportedly leaning towards a more robust midfield configuration, with Carlos Soler playing ahead of Gorrotxategi and Benat Turrientes. This setup might leave little room for Luka Sucic or Brais Mendez. Despite Kubo's recent return to fitness and a brief appearance last weekend, Ander Barrenetxea and Goncalo Guedes are the favored wingers.
With Zubeldia unavailable, Duje Caleta-Car is expected to partner Jon Martin in central defense, representing one of the few deviations from their regular starting formation.
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