The final of the Cup between Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad is taking place this evening at La Cartuja stadium in Seville. Already an hour before kick-off, thousands of fans from both teams had gathered near the arena, but getting inside proved challenging: according to El Diario Vasco, entrances were overloaded and security checks reinforced due to the large crowds outside the stadium.
Organizers had recommended arriving early in advance, but even that did not prevent queues. It is reported that security checks for fans are being carried out with particular thoroughness, which has caused discontent among some supporters. Inside La Cartuja, the Real Sociedad sector is gradually filling up, and the stands already display the club’s characteristic mosaic pattern prepared by fans from San Sebastián.
Lineups and key decisions
Real Sociedad’s coach Matarazzo, as promised, named his starting goalkeeper in advance — Marrero took his place in goal, while Gorrotxategi remained on the bench. The starting lineup also featured Jon Mikel Aramburu, for whom this match became his hundredth in the club’s shirt. For Atlético de Madrid, two former Real Sociedad players — Griezmann and Le Normand — started, while Sorloth began the match on the bench. The team was without Pablo Barrios, who had not recovered from injury.
Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal is the only player in the starting lineup who already featured in the 2021 Cup final. The midfield included Turrientes, Sucic and Carlos Soler, while the attacking line was made up of Guedes, Barrene, and Oyarzabal himself.
Atmosphere in the city and at the stadium
Since early evening, the streets of Seville and the fan zones in Gipuzkoa have been filled with Real Sociedad supporters. According to El Diario Vasco correspondents, thousands of people took part in the traditional kalejira — a mass march to the stadium accompanied by music and singing. In the Donostia fan zone on Alderdi Eder Square, hundreds of club fans also gathered to support the team from afar.
The Real Sociedad women’s team is also present in Seville; the squad previously won the Cup in 2019 and played in the final in 2024. The atmosphere on the city streets is festive, but in some places tense due to the large crowds and increased police presence. In certain areas, Real Sociedad fans note their support is clearly predominant, though an approximately equal distribution of supporters for both teams is expected in the stadium.
Details and expectations
According to El Diario Vasco, the pitch at La Cartuja is in good condition, despite having hosted a Europa League match just two days ago. DJ Alex Clap performed as part of the pre-match program, while the first banners and flags have already appeared in the stands. Among the spectators, well-known personalities such as Richard Oribe and Dani Díaz have been spotted.
While the teams prepared to take the field, marches and musical events continued around the city. The fan zones in Gipuzkoa and the streets of Seville are buzzing, with Real Sociedad supporters actively chanting club songs. In one of its latest pieces, RUSSPAIN examined in detail the political and social effects of major sporting events on Spain’s regions — you can learn more in the article about left-wing parties’ negotiations in Barcelona: how the new coalition was discussed and its impact on the regions.
The Cup final in Seville has become not only a sporting event but also a social occasion for both teams and their fans. In the coming hours, it will become clear who will take home the trophy, but for now, attention is focused on the atmosphere in the stands and the organization of entry to the stadium.
