Madrid, April 17 (NationPress) In a highly anticipated showdown, Atletico Madrid squares off against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final this Saturday, marking the second significant title to be contested in Spain this season after the Super Cup.

Atletico arrives at the Estadio de la Cartuja following their advancement to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, while Real Sociedad has enjoyed a week off to prepare after a dramatic 3-3 draw at home against Deportivo Alaves last weekend.

Real Sociedad previously claimed the 2020 Copa del Rey with a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao. This final will see their supporters in attendance for the first time since 1987, when they triumphed over Atletico Madrid in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw following extra time.

Atletico's last Copa del Rey victory occurred in 2013, when they defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Madrid side reached this final after a thrilling 4-3 aggregate win against FC Barcelona, while Real Sociedad eliminated their local rivals, Athletic Bilbao, with 1-0 victories in both legs.

A victory for Real Sociedad would secure their spot in next season's Europa League. Although Atletico is nearly guaranteed qualification through their standing in La Liga, a win on Saturday would also keep their hopes alive for a domestic and European cup double.

This final represents a significant opportunity for Atletico de Madrid to lift an official trophy five years after claiming their 11th La Liga title in 2021 and thirteen years since their last Copa del Rey triumph in 2013.

Unfortunately, the Argentine manager may have to contend without key players: Hancko and Gimenez in defense, Pablo Barrios and Johnny Cardoso in midfield, and Oblak in goal. The Slovenian has been sidelined for several weeks, but Musso has stepped up confidently in his absence.

Thus, the probable starting eleven for Rojiblanco at La Cartuja could feature Musso in goal, alongside Nahuel Molina, Pubill, Le Normand, and Ruggeri in defense. The midfield duo is expected to be Koke (the only survivor from the 2013 Cup win) and Marcos Llorente, with Lookman and Giuliano on the flanks. Griezmann will serve as the playmaker behind the primary attacking threat, Julian Alvarez.

On the other side, Real Sociedad will have to cope without Odriozola and Yangel Herrera, while Gorrotxategi is a significant doubt. Gonçalo Guedes and Oyarzabal are dealing with minor injuries, although both are likely to play. Take Kubo arrives with limited playing time recently, and Zubeldia is facing various physical challenges.

The defense for Real Sociedad is expected to consist of Aramburu and Sergio Gómez as full-backs, with Jon Martin and Caleta-Car as the center-back pairing. The midfield will feature Carlos Soler and Turrientes, with Guedes on one wing and Oyarzabal leading the attack.

Two spots remain open in the attacking midfield, with Brais Méndez, Barrenetxea, and Sucic vying for these positions, with the Croatian emerging as a strong candidate due to his adaptability and recent performance.