Atlético Madrid ready for the big moment

Atlético de Madrid are back in a Copa del Rey final for the first time in 13 years—last time, they beat Real Madrid 2–1 to lift the trophy. Now, Diego Simeone has called up 34 players, making it clear: everyone’s got a role to play.

There’s only one previous Copa final between Atleti and Real Sociedad—back in 1987, and it went to penalties… with La Real taking it.

The squad trained at La Cartuja Stadium on Friday evening, with Simeone and Antoine Griezmann facing the media beforehand.

Griezmann kept it real: “Excitement, hunger, happiness… I’m just buzzing to play a final. It’s going to be tough, but I feel ready.” Asked if it could be his last final with the club, he shut it down: “Not thinking about that—just focused on tomorrow.”

Simeone, who’s been running the show since 2011, reflected on the journey: “You evolve over time, always growing while staying true to your ideas.” And on the final: “Every athlete dreams of moments like this. We’re hungry for it—we’re going to give everything to win.”

Both also gave a shoutout to the fans for riding with them all season