God, destiny, Griezmann: Atletico target rare Copa del Rey success

TL;DR

Atletico Madrid aims for Copa del Rey success against Real Sociedad, with Antoine Griezmann seeking to leave the club with trophies. Coach Diego Simeone hopes for a farewell victory as they prepare for the final in Seville.

Key points

Atletico Madrid targets Copa del Rey success against Real Sociedad
Antoine Griezmann seeks trophies before leaving for MLS
Diego Simeone hopes for a farewell victory for Griezmann
Atletico has won the Copa del Rey 10 times, only once under Simeone
Match will take place at La Cartuja stadium in Seville

Mentioned in this story

Antoine GriezmannOrlando City

Atletico MadridReal SociedadBarcelonaSevilla

French forward Antoine Griezmann would love to leave Atletico Madrid this summer with one or two trophies in the bag (Oscar DEL POZO) (Oscar DEL POZO/AFP/AFP) No sooner had Atletico Madrid eliminated Barcelona from the Champions League than their fans turned their attention to Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad. "We'll give everything to win the cup -- spirit of '96'," read a banner they unfurled, harking back to Atletico's historic La Liga and Copa double 30 years ago under Radomir Antic. Atletico coach Diego Simeone had a similar idea to the fans. There was no time to celebrate downing the Catalans, even if Antoine Griezmann said he was craving "a cold beer". "(The joy) was short-lived because Cholo (Simeone) cut us off a bit," explained the Frenchman, who is desperate to leave the club with a farewell trophy -- or ideally two. Griezmann, 35, Atletico's all-time top goalscorer, is leaving for MLS side Orlando City at the end of the season, and Simeone said he would love for the forward to depart with his ambitions fulfilled. "I hope that God and destiny give him what he's looking for in the time he has left in the game," said the Argentine coach. "We'll only realise over time that we had and still have a football genius." Griezmann flirted with an early exit from Atletico in March but with the Copa del Rey and Champions League trophies still on the line, he could not bring himself to depart. "(Playing in the Copa final) is my dream, my objective, and I hope we can do something big," said Griezmann a few weeks ago when announcing that he would stay until the end of the season. The forward has been one of Simeone's most reliable soldiers during his long reign in the Spanish capital. "I've been here 14 years at the club and I never stop getting emotional," said Simeone after reaching the Champions League semis. "I told the players when the game ended -- thank you, thank you. I'm completely grateful as a coach for the way they play, for their drive, for their heart, for the belief we have, for what we do. "And now rest, rest, because on Saturday we have a very important match."

Q&A

What is Atletico Madrid's history in the Copa del Rey?

Atletico Madrid has won the Copa del Rey 10 times, but only once under coach Diego Simeone in 2013.

Who are Atletico Madrid's opponents in the Copa del Rey final?

Atletico Madrid will face Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final at La Cartuja stadium in Seville.

What are Antoine Griezmann's plans after leaving Atletico Madrid?

Antoine Griezmann plans to join MLS side Orlando City after the season, hoping to leave with one or two trophies.

How has Atletico Madrid performed recently in major competitions?

Atletico Madrid recently eliminated Barcelona from the Champions League and aims to secure a Copa del Rey title after a long wait.