Copa del Rey Final: Predicted Lineups for Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad - Minimal Changes Expected for Simeone's Side

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 teams aiming to secure their first trophy in five years. Los Colchoneros are making their first Copa del Rey final appearance since their victory in 2013, while La Real were crowned champions in 2021.

Leading up to the match, Real Sociedad's manager, Pellegrino Matarazzo, expressed optimism about his squad's readiness. He confirmed 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 final.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid's coach, Diego Simeone, indicated that his team has shifted focus from their Champions League semi-final qualification back to the domestic cup. Simeone welcomes back David Hancko and Pablo Barrios from injury, and Marc Pubill returns from suspension. The only player sidelined for Atletico is Jose Maria Gimenez, who has not recovered from his injury.

Atletico Madrid Likely to Field a Stable Lineup

Despite the physical intensity of their recent match against Barcelona on Tuesday, Simeone is expected to make only one alteration to his starting XI. According to reports, Pubill is set to replace Clement Lenglet in the defense. This aligns with expectations that Los Rojiblancos will retain Marcos Llorente and Koke Resurreccion in midfield, even with the return of Johnny Cardoso.

Real Sociedad to Start Without Key Midfielders

For Real Sociedad, Matarazzo is anticipated to opt for a more robust midfield featuring Carlos Soler ahead of Gorrotxategi and Benat Turrientes, which means Luka Sucic and Brais Mendez are unlikely to start. On the wings, although Kubo has returned to fitness and played some minutes last weekend, Ander Barrenetxea and Goncalo Guedes are expected to maintain their positions.

With Zubeldia out, Croatian international Duje Caleta-Car is likely to partner Jon Martin in central defense, representing the only significant deviation from their usual defensive setup.