Atlético de Madrid: A Basque past that surprises Real Sociedad before the Cup Final

The colchonero club, founded by Basque students, shares historical roots with its cup-bearing rival, a little-known detail that adds an unexpected twist to the duel.

The next final of the Copa del Rey, which will face Real Sociedad and Atlético de Madrid on the 18th, promises to be a clash of titans. However, beyond the sporting rivalry, there is a fascinating historical link between both clubs that many are unaware of. Atlético de Madrid, far from its current image of a Madrid power, was born in 1903 by Basque students, many of them in Mining Engineering, who lived in the capital.

These founders met at the Basque-Navarra Society, located at 25 La Cruz Street in Madrid. The founding document reveals a direct connection with Athletic Club de Bilbao. In its first article, it is established that the new company would be a “branch of Athletic Club de Bilbao”, governed by its same regulations.

This initial brotherhood allowed Atlético members to also be Athletic members without paying an entrance fee, and vice versa. Article 6 was forceful: “this Society being a branch of the Athletic Club of Bilbao, both societies are considered one and the same, and, therefore, they will not be able to compete against each other in any championship.” A non-aggression pact that, logically, the passing of time and the growth of the Madrid club would end up diluting.

Over the years, Atlético de Madrid forged its own identity, gaining weight in Madrid society, although initially viewed with suspicion due to its Basque origins. Finally, it achieved its independence, separating itself from the Bilbao mothership to become the powerful club it is today, both sportingly and economically, especially after the recent entry of American capital.

A curious detail that underlines this connection is that Atlético de Madrid's first uniform featured the blue and white shirt with vertical stripes, a design that immediately evokes Real Sociedad. This visual nod, added to its origins, makes the identity of the realistic rival in the Cup final more complex and richer than it appears at first glance.

On the field of play, Real Sociedad's central defense has been a fundamental pillar, although not exempt from variations. Under the direction of Imanol, in the 2023-2024 season, the usual pairing was Zubeldia and Le Normand. The following season, with the departure of Le Normand to Atlético and the arrival of Aguerd, the Moroccan joined Zubeldia, with specific contributions from Pacheco, Elustondo and Jon Martín.

This season has seen a greater dance of names in the rear axis. With Sergio Francisco, Zubeldia and Caleta-Car were the most common, although Jon Martín was gaining prominence. The arrival of Matarazzo has maintained this rotation, with Jon Martín, Caleta-Car and Zubeldia alternating in ownership, while the Italian-American coach looks for the ideal pairing.

On the other hand, Mikel Oyarzabal's talent continues to be recognized by his teammates. Marc Cucurella, national team player, has recently praised the importance of the realistic captain, highlighting that “when he speaks, everyone listens to him” and that “when you play with him, you realize what he brings to the team.” Words that reflect the admiration that Oyarzabal generates in the locker room.

In goal, the final will have an old acquaintance of the Txuri Urdin fans: Matthew Ryan. The Australian goalkeeper, who defended Real Sociedad's goal, returns to Anoeta with Levante. His time at the San Sebastian club, in the shadow of Remiro, ended with only 10 games, but he always left the impression of being a high-quality goalkeeper.

The Cup final is therefore presented not only as a sporting duel, but also as a reunion with history, where the origins of Atlético de Madrid add a layer of interest to a match already loaded with expectation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the Cup final between Real Sociedad and Atlético de Madrid?
The final is scheduled for April 18.
What is the historical origin of Atlético de Madrid?
Atlético de Madrid was founded in 1903 by Basque students in Madrid, initially acting as a branch of Athletic Club de Bilbao.
What similarity existed between Atlético's first uniform and that of Real Sociedad?
Both clubs shared the blue and white shirt design with vertical stripes in their beginnings.
Who have been the most common centre-back pairings at Real Sociedad in recent seasons?
In 2023-2024 they were Zubeldia and Le Normand. In 2024-2025, Aguerd and Zubeldia. This season, with Matarazzo, Jon Martín, Caleta-Car and Zubeldia have rotated.
Which Real Sociedad player has recently been praised by Marc Cucurella?
Mikel Oyarzabal has been praised by his teammate.
Which goalkeeper who played for Real Sociedad will return to Anoeta with Levante?
Matthew Ryan, the Australian goalkeeper.
Why couldn't Atlético de Madrid face Athletic Club de Bilbao in its beginnings?
Because Atlético was considered a branch of Athletic Club, and they were considered the same entity.
Which Engineering team was represented among the founders of Atlético de Madrid?
The majority were Mining Engineering students.
Where in Madrid was Atlético de Madrid founded?
In the Basque-Navarra Society, at 25 La Cruz Street.
Which team has recently become a shareholder in Atlético de Madrid?
American capital.