Yes, we are here in April 2021 and only now are the Basque rivals Athletic Club and Real Sociedad preparing to fight in the Copa del Rey final 2019/20.
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The COVID-19 pandemic forced the Spanish FA to postpone last season’s final, which was originally scheduled for April 18, 2020, and due to the hectic schedule, they have only found time to host one of the most anticipated cup performances in several years.
It has been 34 years since each side lifted cutlery, and the occasion is somewhat exacerbated by the absence of both sides’ passionate set of fans. It should still be an exciting final between two sides from a region in Spain that holds only 4.6% of the country’s population,
Here’s everything you need to know before the game.
Sevilla’s Estadio de La Cartuja hosts the final | Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
When is the match? Saturday 3 AprilWhat time is running? 20:30 GMTWhere is it played? Estadio de La CartujaTV channel? ESPN (USA)
Zarraga has a knee injury Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Athletic director Marcelino will have close to a full squad available to him. Midfielder Oier Zarraga will unfortunately miss the final due to a knee injury that will soon require surgery, but that is the only significant concern in his squad.
There may be some concern over goalkeeper Unai Simon and defender Inigo Martinez, who endured a hectic international break with Spain, but they will be keen to play against their tough Basque rivals.
Isak’s protocol was handled with Sweden | Michael Campanella / Getty Images
The international break was very kind to Sociedad, who used two weeks’ leave to help their group recover. Star duo Mikel Oyarzabal and Alexander Isak were both partially rested during an international break and should have a lot left in mind.
The only absentee will be midfielder Luca Sangalli, ruled out due to a knee injury.
Athletic: Simon; De Marcos, Alvarez, Martinez, Berchiche; Muniain, Lopez, D. Garcia, Berenguer; R. Garcia, Williams.
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Zaldua, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Monreal; Illaramendi, Silva, Merino; Januzaj, Isak, Oyarzabal.
? SEVILLE !!!! ? ⚪️? #Gurekin | #AurreraReala pic.twitter.com/P4sH9esS01
– Real Sociedad (@RealSociedadEN) April 2, 2021
Athletic club
Athletic 1-1 Eibar (20/03) Celta Vigo 0-0 Athletic (14/03) Atletico Madrid 2-1 Athletic (10/03)Athletic 2-1 Granada (07/03) Levante 1-2 Athletic (04 /
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad 1-6 Barcelona (21/03) Granada 1-0 Real Sociedad (14/03)Real Sociedad 1-0 Levante (07/03) Real Madrid 1-1 Real Sociedad (01/03) Manchester United 0-0 Real Sociedad (25/02)
These are two sides that will definitely want to play this match last season instead. Nor does it come into the game in a particularly inspiring form, but of the two, it is Real Sociedad who will feel more confident.
Ignoring their recent assault on Barcelona’s hands, they are doing well in La Liga and looked like the best team in the country for a while before hitting a decline in December. In their day, they can beat anyone.
Sociedad enters the game as narrow favorites | Soccrates Images / Getty Images
With that said, underestimate Athletic, rivalry aside, at your own risk. They are feeling well themselves and they have already qualified for the final of the Copa del Rey 2020/21. They can win and keep the cup in just a few weeks, which will crack pub trivia in the future if they pull it out.
They could eventually play the second fiddle to Real Sociedad, who could challenge a highly controversial game.
Prediction: Athletic 1-2 Real Sociedad
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