The Copa sets its sights on its most eighties-style final

“Like an eighties night, eh-eh-eh,” sings Spanish artist Vicco in her hit song from the Benidorm Fest three years ago. And fittingly, in 2026 the semifinals of the music festival share the same week as the Copa del Rey Mapfre semifinals. Because whoever comes through this footballing showdown will relive in April a truly monumental eighties-style night.

Not since the 1980s — spring of 1987, to be precise — has Spain’s oldest competition witnessed a Basque derby in the semifinals like the one Athletic Club and Real Sociedad will contest from Wednesday onwards (9:00pm CET, live on La1 and Movistar Plus+). The first leg will also mark San Mamés’ debut in this season’s tournament.

Like La Catedral, the Metropolitano will also host its first Copa night of the campaign in the only round played over two legs, ensuring all four remaining contenders get at least one home match in front of their fans. Atlético will take centre stage on Thursday, at the same time and on the same broadcasters, in an Atlético de Madrid vs FC Barcelona tie that recreates last season’s semifinal — a goal-fest that ended dramatically after a thrilling 4–4 draw at the Camp Nou.

In March, the return legs at Camp Nou and Anoeta will decide which two teams earn the right to travel to Seville and enjoy the grand finale at La Cartuja, with Supercopa de España qualification also at stake.

Whatever the outcome of this final hurdle before the showpiece, one thing is already guaranteed: the title match will echo one of the Copa del Rey Mapfre finals staged during the heart of the 1980s. Barcelona vs Athletic (1984), Atlético vs Athletic (1985), Real Sociedad vs Atlético (1987) or Barça vs Real Sociedad (1988) will shape an unmistakably eighties-flavoured final at La Cartuja in Seville on the weekend of 18–19 April 2026.

Two 90-minute battles lie ahead, with no away-goals rule and extra time and penalties ready if needed, to decide who gets to keep dreaming of lifting the trophy.

The stage is set, the lights are on, and — like a true festival — everything is ready for four unforgettable nights of top-level football on the road to Seville.