Pellegrino Matarazzo reacts as Real Sociedad reach Copa del Rey final – “The fans were on fire”

San Sebastián, Spain – Real Sociedad booked their ticket to the 2025-26 Copa del Rey final on Wednesday night, edging Athletic Club 1-0 at a raucous Reale Arena to complete a 2-0 aggregate triumph over their Basque neighbours. After the final whistle, head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo admitted his side had been far from flawless, yet praised the collective grit that carried La Real into the season-ending showpiece.

“I think the first half was not bad, although we didn’t have chances because we didn’t have dynamism and pass well from midfield,” Matarazzo told Marca. “We defended well throughout the match; it was key to get through to the final. We didn’t play the second half as we wanted and the penalty helped us at the end, but we did other things well and we went through to the final. I’m very happy for the people, for the city. It’s a great feeling to reach the final.”

The decisive moment arrived 12 minutes from time when captain Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the spot, capping a tense derby affair and sparking wild celebrations among the home faithful. Matarazzo was quick to salute his skipper’s influence.

“Mikel is a very special captain for everything he gives to the team. He is a captain in many ways and, moreover, he is humble. I’m very happy that he was the one who scored the goal that took us to the final.”

The American-Italian coach reserved his most vivid praise for the Reale Arena crowd, describing an atmosphere that began on the streets outside the ground and never relented.

“The truth is that the reception has been incredible; I have never experienced anything like this. It seemed that the entire stadium was in the street. The last 100 meters we walked and I received an energy that I had not experienced before. And the fans were on fire during the match. I’m happy that we were able to give a final to them, and we look forward to celebrating with them in Seville.”

La Real will meet Atlético Madrid in next month’s final at La Cartuja, but Matarazzo insists his focus remains fixed on the immediate challenges of La Liga. The two clubs clash again this Saturday at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

“First we play this Saturday against Atlético in La Liga. We’ll see what happens in that match first, then we have several La Liga games and then we’ll concentrate on the Copa del Rey. Now it’s time to enjoy this moment.”

With a Copa final berth secured and European qualification still at stake in the league, Matarazzo’s squad enters a pivotal stretch buoyed by derby glory and the unwavering support of a city that greeted them like heroes long before kickoff.