Atlético are looking to cap a big week for their fans after Diego Simeone’s side eliminated Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals and city rivals Real Madrid also lost to Bayern Munich.
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Sociedad are looking for what would be a slight surprise to secure a trophy under American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo after he took over the team mid-season.
Key facts
Since taking charge of Atlético in 2011, Simeone has turned what was a disaster club into a consistent winner and one of the toughest competitors in Europe. But almost five years have passed without cutlery.
If they beat Sociedad, Atlético would lift their first trophy since La Liga in 2021 and their first Copa del Rey since 2013.
The Cup would give them an extra boost before facing Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals starting on April 29.
Atlético also beat Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
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Sociedad recently won the 2020 Copa del Rey by beating Basque rival Athletic Bilbao in the final that was delayed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When New Jersey-born Matarazzo was hired at the end of December, Sociedad were just two points above the relegation zone. Since then they have risen to seventh place and are once again aiming for a European place.
Sociedad defeated Osasuna, Alavés and Athletic to reach the final that will be played at the La Cartuja Stadium.
In their only previous Copa del Rey final, in 1987, Sociedad beat Atlético on penalties.
Players to watch
Antoine Griezmann, Atlético’s all-time leading scorer, can cap his glorious career with the club by winning the Cup before leaving to join Orlando City in the MLS next season.
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The World Cup winner with France remains a key player for Simeone thanks to his vision and playmaking ability.
But Atlético will also look for goals from Julián Álvarez and Ademola Lookman and the workhorse Marcos Llorente to chase Sociedad in midfield or at right back.
Mikel Oyarzabal leads Sociedad from the forward position and has a history of deciding important games. He scored the only goal in the 2021 Copa del Rey final and his late goal secured Spain’s Euro 2024 final against England.
He will be supported by winger Gonçalo Guedes and midfielder Carlos Soler.
out of action
Sociedad are almost at full fitness following the recent return of striker Take Kubo, but Atlético could still be missing centre-backs David Hancko and José María Giménez, both of whom are injured. Former Sociedad centre-back Robin Le Normand will likely start for Atlético.
Off the field
The League rests this weekend.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer