Seville, Spain — The Estadio de La Cartuja is the epicenter of Spanish football tonight, Saturday, April 18, 2026, as Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad face off in the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final. With the trophy on the line, both managers have named powerhouse lineups for a match that promises tactical intensity and individual brilliance.
Diego Simeone is chasing his first domestic cup title in over a decade, while Real Sociedad looks to repeat their 2020 heroics and bring the silverware back to San Sebastian. The atmosphere in Seville is electric, with thousands of fans from Madrid and the Basque Country descending on the city for this winner-take-all showdown.
Official Starting Lineups
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2)
Diego Simeone has stuck with the defensive core that led them through the semi-finals, notably starting Juan Musso in goal over the recently returned Jan Oblak.
• Goalkeeper: Juan Musso
• Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Marc Pubill, Robin Le Normand, Matteo Ruggeri
• Midfielders: Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Llorente, Koke (C), Ademola Lookman
• Forwards: Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez
Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1)
Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has opted for a creative attacking trident to support Mikel Oyarzabal, despite lingering injury concerns earlier in the week.
• Goalkeeper: Unai Marrero
Defenders: Jon Aramburu, Jon Martin, Caleta-Car, Sergio Gomez
• Midfielders: Benat Turrientes, Carlos Soler
• Attacking Midfielders: Ander Barrenetxea, Luka Sučić, Goncalo Guedes
• Forward: Mikel Oyarzabal (C)
Tactical Analysis: The Lookman Factor
The inclusion of Nigerian international Ademola Lookman on the left flank for Atletico Madrid is a clear signal of Simeone’s attacking intent. Lookman has been in sensational form, and his pace against Jon Aramburu is expected to be a primary avenue for Atletico’s transitions. On the other side, Real Sociedad will rely on the technical brilliance of Brais Mendez and the clinical finishing of Oyarzabal to penetrate a notoriously disciplined Atletico backline.
A key subplot involves Robin Le Normand, who faces his former club in the biggest game of the season. His partnership with Marc Pubill in the heart of defense will be crucial in stopping a Real Sociedad side that thrives on quick, intricate passing in the final third.
Match Facts and Kick-off
• Venue: Estadio La Cartuja, Seville
• Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
• Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM WAT (9:00 PM Local Time)
• Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas
With Atletico Madrid recently securing their spot in the Champions League semi-finals, they enter this match with high confidence but tired legs. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, have had a full week to prepare for this single 90 minute battle for immortality.
Can Antoine Griezmann finally secure a domestic trophy with the Rojiblancos, or will the Basque grit of Real Sociedad prevail in the Seville heat?