At last it’s time for the Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) final, an event the people of Madrid look forward to all year round! And this time, it’s a true Madrid derby: Real Madrid-Atlético de Madrid or Atlético de Madrid-Real Madrid, whichever you prefer…
It will be the fourth time that Madrid’s two main teams face each other in a Cup final. On three of these occasions, 1960, 1961 and 1992, the final was played at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium and Atlético won each time. The only time they played at Atlético de Madrid’s Vicente Calderón Stadium was in 1975 and Real Madrid won on penalties after the match ended 0-0. It seems that both teams play better away from home.
What Atlético de Madrid has achieved over recent years is quite amazing. Six finals in the last four seasons: two King’s Cup finals, which they lost, two Europa League finals and two European Super Cup finals, which they won.
Real Madrid has also made its mark on this competition as it has played more King’s Cup finals than any other team in Spain. This year, following their spectacular victory at Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium, will be the club’s 38th final.
Playing at home may give Real Madrid a slight advantage, but when the team you’re up against in the final is Atlético managed by Simeone, anything can happen. Past results and current form mean little on the big day and both teams are capable of pulling off a famous victory.
One thing’s for sure – on the 17th of May, Spain’s capital city will be hosting yet another major sporting event. Real Madrid will be out to avenge past Cup final defeats and Atlético de Madrid will be aiming to stop their neighbour’s 14-year winning streak. Whichever team you support on the day, all of Madrid will be hanging on the outcome. May the best team win!