Real Sociedad

TOKYO, Apr. 17, 2026 /Kyodo JBN/ -- Seville’s Estadio de la Cartuja is set to host the 2025/26 Copa del Rey final between Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad this Saturday. Los Rojiblancos have reached the cup decider for the first time since 2013, while the Basque side aims for its third-ever trophy, returning to the final five years after their victory against Athletic Club.

The Takefusa Kubo Factor: The Return of the Japanese Idol

The interest in this final transcends borders, reaching Japan with particular intensity, where all eyes are on Takefusa Kubo. The Japanese star arrives at this crucial appointment after recovering from a muscle injury in his left hamstring. Following a careful recovery process, Kubo already saw minutes in the recent LALIGA EA SPORTS match against Deportivo Alavés, confirming he is ready to be the difference-maker. For Real Sociedad, having his creative talent is vital to breaking down Simeone’s defense and ensuring that the first major title of the "Matarazzo era" bears the stamp of the Blue Samurai.

The Path to the Final

The journey for both teams has been anything but straightforward. Simeone’s side kicked off in December with a hard-fought 3-2 win over CD Atlético Baleares, courtesy of an Antoine Griezmann brace. They subsequently eliminated RC Deportivo (1-0) and thrashed Real Betis (5-0) in the quarter-finals, where debutant Ademola Lookman shone with a goal and an assist. In the semi-finals, they secured their spot by overcoming FC Barcelona with a 4-3 aggregate score, following a dominant 4-0 first-leg victory.

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad’s adventure under Pellegrino Matarazzo began with victories over SD Negreira, Reus FC Reddis, and CD Eldense. In the Round of 16, goalkeeper Unai Marrero became the hero by making two saves in a penalty shootout against CA Osasuna. After a 2-1 comeback win against Deportivo Alavés, they sealed their qualification by winning the Basque derby against Athletic Club with a 2-0 aggregate score, thanks to goals from Beñat Turrientes and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Be sure to tune in for Atlético de Madrid vs Real Sociedad this Sunday morning at 04:00 AM JST, available live on U-NEXT.

This Saturday will decide if Atlético de Madrid wins its first cup since 2013 or if Kubo’s Real Sociedad puts the finishing touch on its resurgence with new silverware.

About LALIGA

LALIGA is the largest football ecosystem in the world. It is a private sports association composed of the 20 public limited sports companies (SADs) and clubs of LALIGA EA SPORTS and the 22 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION, and is responsible for organising professional football competitions in Spain. LALIGA has over 258 million followers globally across social networks, on 16 platforms and in 20 different languages. With its headquarters in Madrid (Spain) it has the most extensive international network of any sports property and is present in 35 countries through 8 offices. The organisation carries out its social work through its foundation FUNDACION LALIGA and was the world's first professional football league to establish a league for intellectually challenged footballers: LALIGA GENUINE Moeve.

Source: LALIGA