The match will be played on April 18 at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, a neutral venue that has become the traditional stage for Spain’s biggest domestic final. Real Sociedad arrive with momentum after a semifinal win over Athletic Club.

For Simeone’s team, the game represents a shot at ending a long wait for Copa del Rey silverware—their last title coming in 2013—while also reinforcing their status after a strong run that included eliminating Barcelona en route to the final.

What happens if Atletico Madrid beat Real Sociedad today?

If Atletico Madrid beat Real Sociedad today, they will be crowned 2026 Copa del Rey champions. There are no aggregate scores or second legs in the final—this is a single, decisive match played at La Cartuja in Seville.

Beyond the silverware, lifting the Copa del Rey would mark a major milestone in Atlético’s season, validating their run through top opposition and reinforcing their status among Spain’s elite under Diego Simeone.

What happens if Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad tie today?

If Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad are tied after 90 minutes, the match will go to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to decide the winner. Unlike league matches, draws are not final outcomes in the Copa del Rey final.

The rules establish 30 minutes of extra time, and if the score remains level, the game is decided by penalties. This format has produced dramatic finishes in the past, including the 1987 final between these same two teams, which was decided on penalties after a draw.

What happens if Atletico Madrid lose to Real Sociedad today?

If Atletico Madrid lose to Real Sociedad, they will finish as runners-up of the 2026 edition and miss out on the Copa del Rey title. In a one-game final, defeat means there are no second chances.

Real Sociedad would lift the trophy, adding another major title to their recent history and cementing their status as one of Spain’s rising forces, turning a strong campaign into a historic achievement with a Copa del Rey victory.

For Atletico, a loss would be particularly significant given the context of the season, as it would extend their drought in this competition and represent a missed opportunity after reaching the final for the first time in years.

Oblak has been one of the main pillars of Diego Simeone’s team in recent years. However, a recent muscle strain forced him off the pitch, and his Argentine teammate made the most of the opportunity.

Musso was one of the standout performers in the match where Atletico Madrid eliminated FC Barcelona from the 2026 UEFA Champions League. Can he become a hero in this competition as well?

Confirmed lineup for Atletico Madrid

With Jan Oblak confirmed on the bench, these are the eleven selected by Diego Simeone to face Real Sociedad: Juan Musso; Mateo Ruggeri, Robin Le Normand, Marc Pubill, Nahuel Molina; Giuliano Simeone, Koke, Marcos Llorente, Ademola Lookman; Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.

In pursuit of a new title in the Copa del Rey

The Atletico Madrid have a rich and storied history in the Copa del Rey, having secured the title 10 times throughout their history. Their most recent triumph occurred in 2013, when they defeated Real Madrid in a memorable 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, ending a long drought against their cross-town rivals.

Regarding their most recent appearance on the big stage, the last time the Colchoneros played a Copa del Rey final was in 2013. While they have reached several semi-finals in the years since, they have not returned to the championship match since that historic night in Madrid. This puts them among the elite clubs in Spanish football, trailing only Barcelona, Athletic Club, and Real Madrid in total titles won.

Eyes also set on the UEFA Champions League

Atletico Madrid are set to face Arsenal in the semi-finals of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. The first leg will take place at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, followed by the decisive second leg at the Emirates Stadium in London on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

This high-stakes matchup marks a crucial moment for Diego Simeone‘s squad as they aim to reach the European final after successfully navigating a challenging quarter-final stage against Barcelona.

[Watch Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad online in the US on Fubo]

Spanish soccer takes center stage with a massive Copa del Rey final, as Atletico Madrid arrive in top form after booking a spot in the UEFA Champions League semifinals by eliminating Barcelona in a hard-fought series.

Diego Simeone’s side looks poised to capitalize on that momentum, but Real Sociedad—despite an inconsistent run—sees this as a prime opportunity to capture a major trophy, setting up a high-stakes clash no fan should miss.

When will the Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad match be played?

Atletico Madrid play against Real Sociedad in the 2025/2026 Copa del Rey final this Saturday, April 18, with kickoff set for 3:00 PM (ET).

Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:00 PM
CT: 2:00 PM
MT: 1:00 PM
PT: 12:00 PM

How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad in the USA

Catch this 2025-26 Copa del Rey clash between Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad live in the United States on Fubo (direct link to the game here). Other options: ESPN+, DirecTV Stream and ESPN Deportes.

Lewandowski has been ruled out of the semifinal clash after sustaining a fractured left eye socket during Barcelona’s recent 4-1 LaLiga victory over Villarreal. In an official statement on X, the club confirmed the injury.

“First-team player Robert Lewandowski picked up an injury in the recent game against Villarreal. Tests have diagnosed a fracture of the left eye socket. He will miss the game against Atletico Madrid,” Barcelona stated.

Meanwhile, the Dutch international Frenkie de Jong is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a distal biceps injury in his right leg during a training session.

“The medical tests have confirmed that the expected recovery period will be approximately five to six weeks,” the Spanish giants reported, effectively ruling the midfielder out for over a month of action.

Hansi Flick navigates growing injury list

Beyond Lewandowski and de Jong, manager Hansi Flick continues to navigate a depleted roster. Long-term absentees Gavi and Andreas Christensen remain in recovery and are unavailable for selection. Furthermore, defender Eric Garcia is suspended for the second leg following his straight red card at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

However, it is not entirely bleak for the Catalan giants. Flick will be able to lean on Pedri and Marcus Rashford, both of whom have successfully returned from recent injuries and featured in the win over Villarreal.

Their availability provides a much-needed offensive boost as Barcelona look to pull off a historic European-style “Remontada” on home soil, like they did to PSG during the Round of 16 of the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League.

In this way, thanks to the 4-0 first-leg victory, the team managed by Diego Simeone secured its spot in the Copa del Rey final, where it will face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona face the daunting task of overturning a significant deficit after falling 4-0 in the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. However, the Blaugranes enter this fixture on the back of two consecutive home victories in LaLiga, results that allow them to dream of a historic comeback in front of their home supporters.

Indeed, Barcelona can draw from a legendary precedent in their own history. During the Round of 16 in the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League, the Spanish giants suffered a 4-0 first-leg defeat to PSG in France, leaving their European hopes in tatters. Yet, they proved their resilience at the Camp Nou, securing a stunning 6-1 victory to seal a historic comeback that remains etched in the record books.

Despite those memories, Atletico Madrid have no intention of making matters easy for their rivals. Riding a three-match winning streak, Diego Simeone’s side will look to secure its passage to the final and avoid any late drama, aiming to protect its substantial aggregate lead with its trademark defensive discipline.

Barcelona’s confirmed lineup

Hansi Flick must navigate a significant injury crisis for this crucial fixture. Robert Lewandowski (fractured eye socket) and Frenkie de Jong (thigh) are not playing today, joining Gavi (knee) and Andreas Christensen (ACL) on the sidelines. Additionally, Eric Garcia is unavailable due to the red card he received in the first leg.

Barcelona’s lineup to face Atletico Madrid: Joan Garcia; Joao Cancelo, Gerard Martin, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi; Bernal, Fermin Lopez, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphinha.

Atletico Madrid’s confirmed lineup

Diego Simeone welcomes back Nicolas Gonzalez, who has returned to the squad list following a muscle tear, though he will begin the match on the bench. The Colchoneros otherwise boast a largely healthy squad as they look to reach their first Copa del Rey final since 2013.

Atletico Madrid’s lineup to face Barcelona: Juan Musso; Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Johnny Cardozo, Koke, Giuliano Simeone; Ademola Lookman, Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.

After being stunned 4-0 by Atletico Madrid in the first leg, Barcelona head home facing a daunting task. Diego Simeone’s squad dominated from the outset, turning a projected tight semifinal into a one-sided statement and moving within reach of the final.

Now, the Catalan side must attempt a four-goal comeback in front of their fans looking to miraculously reach the Copa del Rey final—an uphill battle that sets the stage for a must-watch showdown.

When will the Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid match be played?

Barcelona square off against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the 2025/2026 Copa del Rey semifinal this Tuesday, March 3, with kickoff set for 3:00 PM (ET). Barcelona must win to advance, as a tie or loss would be enough for Atletico to win the series.

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:00 PM
CT: 2:00 PM
MT: 1:00 PM
PT: 12:00 PM

How to watch Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid in the USA

Catch this 2025-26 Copa del Rey clash between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid live in the United States on ESPN+.

The Basque Derby in this Copa del Rey semifinals is far from decided after Real Sociedad edged Athletic Bilbao 1-0 on the road in the semifinal first leg, taking a narrow advantage back to Anoeta.

With just one goal separating the rivals, Bilbao are still within striking distance and one big performance could flip the tie and punch a ticket to the final. Expect another heated, high-stakes clash—don’t miss it.

When will the Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club match be played?

Real Sociedad play against Athletic Club in the second leg of the 2025/2026 Copa del Rey semifinal this Wednesday, March 4, with kickoff set for 3:00 PM (ET).

Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:00 PM
CT: 2:00 PM
MT: 1:00 PM
PT: 12:00 PM

How to watch Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club in the USA

Catch this 2025-26 Copa del Rey clash between Real Sociedad and Athletic Club live in the United States on ESPN+.

Barça return home carrying urgency, while Atletico travel with the comfort and danger of advantage. Form, absences and tactical restraint now shape a contest where patience could matter as much as precision.

Whether this chapter becomes a tale of resilience or control will depend on how quickly the rhythm is set and who blinks first. In a rivalry built on intensity, the consequences may stretch well beyond the final scoreline. Follow Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid live with us!

What happens if Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid today?

A Barcelona victory tonight could dramatically rewrite this semifinal script, depending on how many goals they score. After a 4–0 deficit from the first leg, courtesy of a dominant Atletico performance in Madrid, they would need something approaching a historic showing to swing the aggregate in their favor.

The Catalans would have to match Atletico’s four-goal output to force extra time, or win by 5+ goals to avoid overtime or a penalty shootout. Coach Hansi Flick himself has admitted Barcelona must “make the impossible possible” to stay alive in the Copa del Rey. Given the context, missing key players like Robert Lewandowski and others due to injury or suspension, such a win would be seen as one for the ages.

What happens if Barcelona and Atletico Madrid tie?

A draw in tonight’s second leg, regardless of the scoreline, would spell Barcelona’s exit from the Copa del Rey semifinals. With Atletico already leading 4–0 on aggregate from the first leg, a stalemate leaves Barça’s advantage deficit untouched and their hopes extinguished.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone has stressed the importance of discipline and control despite his team’s lead, reinforcing that even a draw would be sufficient to confirm their passage to the final.

In such a case, Atletico would march on to contest the Copa del Rey final, where they’d face Athletic Club or Real Sociedad, who face each other on Wednesday in the other semifinal. For Barcelona, tying would confirm a season of promise falling short, adding pressure on domestic ambitions and reshaping narratives around their squad and strategy.

What happens if Barcelona lose to Atletico Madrid today?

Should Barcelona lose tonight, the most straightforward consequence is Atletico Madrid advancing comfortably to the Copa del Rey final. A defeat would increase the aggregate deficit and underscore the gulf created in the first leg.

This outcome would immediately close Barcelona’s hopes of defending their Copa title and send Atletico into the final with momentum and confidence. It would also highlight the tactical mastery of Simeone’s side and its ability to manage two-leg ties with resolute defending and clinical execution.

A loss would deepen questions around squad depth and resilience, even as Barcelona chase other objectives in La Liga and European competition. The season’s narrative would turn towards recovery and recalibration rather than cup glory.

The damage arrived within the opening minutes of the first half, when the four goals that defined the night took place. The breakthrough came in the sixth minute after a costly mistake by goalkeeper Joan García, whose touch ended in an own goal. From there, Atletico Madrid sensed blood and pushed forward with confidence.

Antoine Griezmann extended the lead with a classy finish, while Ademola Lookman added another after a sharp assist from Julián Álvarez. The fourth goal flipped the roles, with Álvarez finding the net and Lookman providing the service. Barcelona struggled to cope with the movement and efficiency of Atletico Madrid’s attack.

Early in the second half, Barcelona believed they had pulled one back through Pau Cubarsí, but the play was disallowed because Robert Lewandowski was ruled offside in the buildup. Barcelona kept trying to respond and gain momentum, yet the visitors maintained control, and the comeback never materialized.

Best memes and reactions

Given that the Copa del Rey has a two-leg format, this means both teams now have to go and play the second leg with Barcelona being the home team. However, the fact remains, after getting blown out by Atletico Madrid and sparking hilarious memes, coming back from this defeat will be very tough.

Atletico made sure to impose their will over Barcelona, especially on the first half, as they scored four goals there. It was just very dominant and really out of the blue, as no one expected this kind of avalanche to roll over Barcelona.

How can Barcelona still get through to the final?

Barcelona need to win on the aggregate score to progress through to the final. Hence, they now have to beat Atletico by at least five goals to overcome the four-goal deficit. That would make Barcelona a finalist in the 2026 Copa del Rey.

The other option that Barcelona have is to win by four to force extra time. If the draw on aggregate persists after the two extra periods of 15 minutes each, the winner would be decided on penalties. However, if any team scores on extra time, the aggregate also changes.

When did Barcelona last win the Copa del Rey?

Barcelona are actually the defending Copa del Rey champions. However, winning it in the 2024-25 season ended a three-year spell without winning the trophy. Since 2020, Barcelona are the only team to win it more than once. Last year, they beat nemesis Real Madrid 3-2 in the final at La Cartuja, Seville.

Barcelona also hold the record for most wins in the Copa del Rey. The ‘Cules‘ have won 32 Copa del Rey trophies, and have been runners-up 11 times. They are followed by Athletic Bilbao, with 24 wins, and then Real Madrid with 20 wins, but also hold 21 losses.