Matarazzo: ‘What Makes This Team Special Is Character’ – Real Sociedad Wins Copa del Rey 2026
SEVILLE, Spain — Pellegrino Matarazzo stood on the pitch at Estadio de La Cartuja, trophy in hand, his smile unshakable as confetti rained down on Real Sociedad’s historic Copa del Rey triumph. The American-born coach of Italian heritage had transformed a struggling side into champions, sealing the club’s fourth Copa title with a penalty shootout victory over Atlético Madrid on April 5, 2026.
After a grueling 120 minutes ended 1-1, it was goalkeeper Unai Marrero who became the hero, saving penalties from Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez to secure a 4-2 win in the shootout. Jon Guridi then converted the decisive spot-kick, sending the Txuriurdin faithful into euphoria.
“It was the moment I realized this was real,” Matarazzo said in his post-match press conference. “You visualize it, you trust the players, but until you cross the finish line, you don’t truly grasp what’s happened. When Jon scored the penalty? Pure joy.”
The victory capped a remarkable turnaround for Real Sociedad, who had endured inconsistency under previous coach Sergio Francisco following Imanol Alguacil’s departure in 2024. Matarazzo, hired in June 2025, instilled a resilient identity that culminated in Sevilla.
Character as the Cornerstone
When asked what made the difference, Matarazzo pointed not to tactics or talent alone, but to the intangible quality that had defined his team’s journey: character.
“We controlled the game when it mattered. We showed the ability to regroup, to find a moment to breathe and rise again,” he explained. “I believe what makes this team so special is its character — and that’s why we won today.”
He praised Marrero’s performance, noting the goalkeeper’s connection with the crowd: “Unai had a fantastic game. I loved how he absorbed the energy of the fans and carried it with him. It wasn’t luck. I’m thrilled with his performance, whether or not he was man of the match. I never promised him he’d play — I simply told him he would, because I trust him and I believe in giving players confidence.”
Marrero, a product of Real Sociedad’s youth system, described the win as surreal: “I knew if we reached penalties, I had faith in myself. The team believed in me. The fans believed in me. I’m still overwhelmed. This doesn’t feel real. For everyone in Gipuzkoa who’s waited so long for joy — we’re living it now. The boy who dreamed of this moment? He just lived it.”
A Personal Milestone
For Matarazzo, the triumph carried deep personal significance. A father and former player, he compared the emotion to life’s most profound moments.
“When your child is born, that’s the most special moment in life. But in sports? Yes, this is the pinnacle of my career,” he said, voice thick with emotion. “I’ve worked with incredible staff, but it’s the players — fantastic, incredible, full of character — who made this possible.”
He acknowledged the legacy of past Real Sociedad icons: “To be mentioned alongside Toschak and Imanol? I’m deeply honored to be part of this club’s story now. These players, this staff, this club — they’re the product of daily work, together.”
Looking Ahead: LaLiga and European Ambitions
With the Copa secured, Real Sociedad now turns to LaLiga, where they sit in sixth place with seven matches remaining. A fifth-place finish would qualify them for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League — a goal Matarazzo refuses to downplay.
“We always aim for the maximum. This win gets us into Europe, but we won’t stop here,” he stated. “We’ve got seven league games left. We can do more.”
The team’s next match is a home fixture against Girona FC on April 12, 2026, at Reale Arena in San Sebastián. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. CEST (2:00 p.m. UTC).
As celebrations continue in the Basque Country, one truth stands clear: Real Sociedad’s resurgence isn’t fleeting. Built on belief, unity, and an unyielding spirit, Matarazzo’s squad has redefined what it means to wear the blue and white.
For fans who’ve endured years of near-misses, the message is simple: Eskerrik Asko. Thank you.
What’s next: Real Sociedad returns to LaLiga action on April 12 against Girona. Follow live updates and post-match analysis on Archysport.
Share your thoughts below. Did character win it for Real Sociedad? Let us know.
