MADRID (Interstat) — A place in the final of Spain’s prestigious Copa del Rey Juvenil will be on the line Saturday when Club Atlético de Madrid hosts Real Sociedad in a semifinal clash between two familiar foes.

The match, set for April 18, 2026, is a quick rematch of a thrilling league encounter from just over a month ago. On March 7, Atlético edged Sociedad 3-2 in a high-scoring affair, a result that will fuel the visitors’ quest for redemption.

Atlético enters the cup tie looking to rebound from a difficult stretch. Diego Simeone’s side has lost three of its last four matches across all competitions, including a 2-1 home defeat to Barcelona on April 4 and a 3-2 loss at Real Madrid on March 22. Their form has been inconsistent, mixing dominant wins like a 4-0 victory over Barcelona in February with puzzling losses. They will rely on home advantage at the Metropolitano, where they have been strong for much of the season.

Real Sociedad arrives with more momentum in league play, coming off a dramatic 3-3 draw with Deportivo Alavés on April 11 and a 2-0 win over Levante the week prior. However, their recent record against top opposition is mixed, with a 4-1 loss to Real Madrid and a 3-1 defeat to Villarreal in recent weeks. Their attack has shown potency, but defensive solidity against elite attacks remains a question.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the semifinal is projected to be a tight, low-scoring contest, with a predicted final score of Club Atlético de Madrid 1, Real Sociedad 0.

The winner will advance to the Copa del Rey Juvenil final, a major prize in Spanish youth football. For the losing side, focus will quickly shift back to league obligations. Atlético is scheduled to visit Elche on April 22, while Real Sociedad will host Getafe that same day in La Liga competition.