Real Madrid Weighs Risks and Form Before Atlético Final Showdown
One week before the Copa del Rey final against Atlético, Real Sociedad faces Alavés at Anoeta. The club must decide whether to rest key players or keep them match-fit.
Selection dilemma
Filmogaz.com reports a strong view favoring caution. Some within the club prefer not to risk the main players, despite seven days to recover.
Others argue that one week is enough to rest and reset. The timing would be different if the final fell midweek.
Minute load and starters
Several regulars have logged heavy minutes this season. Their league starts underline the workload and the risk of fatigue.
| Player | Starts (league) |
|---|---|
| Mikel Oyarzabal | 26 of 27 |
| Gonçalo Guedes | 22 of 30 |
| Carlos Soler | 19 of 25 |
| Sergio Gómez | 24 of 29 |
| Aramburu | 26 of 28 |
Injuries, doubts and recent warnings
Gorrotxategi played at Villarreal while not fully fit and is now doubtful. Hancko left a Champions duel on crutches.
Merino once played with a fractured L4 vertebra against Athletic. Monreal made his farewell in Sevilla on April 3.
Illarramendi suffered an injury during a warm-up before a final five years ago. The episode is a constant reminder of training risks.
Bench options
Real has alternatives on the bench. Aihen, Marín, Zakharyan, Óskarsson and Kubo are available.
With five substitutions allowed, the team can influence a match without using all regular starters.
Tactical approach and manager stance
Manager Matarazzo rarely rotates before major fixtures. He previously kept his best eleven on the field for over 80 minutes.
Against Alavés, Caleta-Car looks set to miss out, with Aritz likely to partner in central defence. Turrientes could be absent, with Soler dropping deeper.
Attack selection is expected to favour familiar faces. The coach views that choice as reducing risk.
Stakes and atmosphere
This is the club’s first final with supporters in 38 years. About 35,000 Real fans will travel to Seville.
Winning on Saturday would boost confidence ahead of the final. It could also move the team closer to fifth and sixth in the table.
Fans hope to begin La Cartuja celebrations early. The first goal in Seville could be set up by a victory at Anoeta.
Broader context
Debates about squad risks and match sharpness are common across LaLiga. Even Real Madrid has weighed similar risks about squad form before Atlético showdowns.
Some prefer to protect stars for the final. Others value momentum and match rhythm as crucial preparation.
