Real Sociedad on FM26 - Copa del Rey Champions
COPA DEL REY 2026 WINNERS. They beat Atlético Madrid 4-3 on penalties on April 19 in Seville. 10 HOMEGROWN PLAYERS starting in the final. Mikel Oyarzabal captain and hero. Basque philosophy in action: we develop, we win. And now we go to CONQUER Europe.
Why choose Real Sociedad?
Because Real Sociedad is THE DEMONSTRATION THAT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT WINS TROPHIES. COPA DEL REY 2026 WINNERS: final against Atlético Madrid, 4-3 on penalties, April 19 in Seville. And the figure that made headlines: 10 academy-developed players starting in the final. TEN. Against the mighty Atlético of Simeone. This is the purest model in Spanish football after Athletic Bilbao. The Reale Arena (39,500 seats, renovated in 2019) in San Sebastián offers one of the best atmospheres in Basque football. Mikel Oyarzabal, legendary captain, hero of this Copa. Xabi Alonso was developed here (before Real Madrid and his international career). Manager Pellegrino Matarazzo (appointed after a disappointing 11th place in 2024-25) pulled off this tactical miracle. In FM26, you take a club from ~40,000 inhabitants that just WON a national title with homegrown players — the noblest philosophy in the game.
The Basque model: development above all
Unlike Athletic Bilbao, La Real doesn't limit recruitment to Basque players — but it PRIORITIZES development. Oyarzabal is a living legend, targeted by Barça for summer 2026. The Zubieta academy continues to produce talent. In FM26, build around this identity: protect the homegrown players, develop them, only sell at the right price.
Tactics: Basque positional play
La Real plays a 4-3-3 possession game with overlapping full-backs, short combinations, and solid defensive structure. No ultra-pressing — just structure and precision. In FM26, bet on midfield combinations, fluid rotations, and player versatility. The Copa del Rey 2026 is proof it WORKS.
Objectives: maintain the momentum
European qualification every season (the Copa del Rey opens the Europa League door). Defend this Copa title. Long term: rediscover consistent top 6 finishes and dare to dream of the Champions League.
Real Sociedad is NOBLE football. Academy kids beating the billionaires in the Copa final. In FM26, this is the purest adventure. ¡Aupa Erreala!