The Copa del Rey Mapfre shines under the Andalusian sun: “We will experience a magical night”
An elegantly decorated horse-drawn carriage transported the trophy to the Andalusian government headquarters, where the presidents of the Spanish Football Federation, the Andalusian regional government, and the mayor of Seville encouraged fans to enjoy this great celebration of Spanish football.
The bright Andalusian spring, filled with the scent of orange blossom, welcomed the Copa del Rey Mapfre trophy this Thursday. It was escorted from Seville’s iconic Plaza de España by legendary captains of the finalist teams.
Madrid-born Gabi Fernández and Gipuzkoa native Xabi Prieto stepped aboard a magnificent 19th-century horse-drawn carriage, provided by the Royal Carriage Club of Andalusia, to carry the silver trophy to the Palacio de San Telmo, headquarters of the Andalusian regional presidency.
In the grand Hall of Mirrors inside the palace, the president of the Spanish Football Federation addressed attendees, expressing his gratitude to the Seville City Council and the Andalusian government for hosting Spanish football in such a historic setting. He added that football hopes to repay this generosity with a major occasion in which Andalusia and Seville once again become international references.
“This competition,” he continued, “is much more than a sporting event. It represents the hopes of two sets of supporters. It is the passion of football surrounding two clubs that have fought to be here today: Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad.”
These remarks were echoed by Seville’s mayor, José Luis Sanz, who described Seville as “the capital of the Copa del Rey,” highlighting that the event will be watched by 450 million viewers worldwide and hosted in a city experienced in organizing major international events—one that everyone wants to visit and return to.
To conclude the speeches, the president of the Andalusian government, Juan Manuel Moreno, also expressed his gratitude for the federation’s commitment to the region. He emphasized that hosting the final enhances Andalusia’s global profile and brings worldwide attention to the city, where “we will experience a magical night.”
“I hope we all enjoy a final that lives up to expectations and dreams,” he added. Alongside the federation president and the mayor, he also inaugurated the exhibition Football as Art, which will remain open at the Palacio de San Telmo until the final between Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad.
Tens of thousands of fans from both teams are expected to arrive in Seville throughout the week. Visitors and locals alike will enjoy a wide range of activities surrounding the Copa del Rey final, with the trophy on display at the Palacio de San Telmo and other locations across the city, which has become the true epicentre of national and international football during these days.
