The Copa del Rey: a stage for unforgettable memories
Gabi and Xabi Prieto, ambassadors for the final, look back on their journeys in Spain’s knockout competition and predict a closely contested clash between two sides in excellent form.
Gabi Fernández and Xabi Prieto, legends of Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad respectively, both enjoyed careers deeply tied to the clubs they love.
The Madrid-born midfielder, who played for Atlético between 2004 and 2018 across three spells—also featuring for Getafe and Real Zaragoza—became a club icon after making 417 appearances and captaining the side for seven seasons.
Meanwhile, Xabi Prieto wore the Real Sociedad shirt 531 times, finishing just 24 matches short of Alberto Górriz, the club’s all-time appearance holder. After fifteen seasons at Anoeta, the Gipuzkoa native is regarded as one of the club’s greatest symbols.
Gabi and Xabi Prieto share more than just unconditional loyalty to their colours. The Copa del Rey left an indelible mark on both players, becoming one of the standout highlights of their long and successful careers.
Prieto made his debut for his boyhood club in the competition on 8 October 2003, when Real Sociedad defeated Real Oviedo 1–2 at the Carlos Tartiere, with Prieto playing the full 90 minutes. “Making my debut with Real Sociedad and winning is my best memory. The cup is a competition I love and feel very attached to,” he said.
Gabi also made his Atlético debut in the Copa del Rey, on 21 January 2004, in a quarter-final against Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. However, his greatest memory came on 17 May 2013 when, under Diego Simeone, he lifted the trophy at the Santiago Bernabéu after Atlético defeated Real Madrid. “That title changed the recent history of Atlético de Madrid, and as captain I was able to lift the cup and fulfil every player’s dream,” Gabi recalled.
Both will experience Saturday’s final at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville (kick-off 21:00, live on La 1 and Movistar Plus+) from off the pitch, but still play a key role as official ambassadors for the showpiece event.
In a spirit of respect and sportsmanship, Gabi and Xabi Prieto are expecting a very evenly matched and competitive final between two teams arriving in top form as they battle to lift the 2026 Copa del Rey Mapfre.
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