Matarazzo: “It’s Been an Incredible Journey, But This Might Just Be the Beginning”

SAN SEBASTIÁN, Spain — After guiding Real Sociedad to a hard-fought victory that saw their goalkeeper produce two crucial penalty saves, head coach Fabio Matarazzo offered a measured yet optimistic assessment of his team’s trajectory. Speaking in the mixed zone at Reale Arena following the La Liga clash, the Brazilian tactician emphasized that whereas recent results have been encouraging, the true test lies ahead.

“It’s been an incredible journey so far,” Matarazzo said, his voice calm but energized. “But this might just be the beginning. We’re building something here — not just wins, but a way of playing, a belief in what we can do when we stick together.”

The comments came after Real Sociedad secured a 2-1 win over Girona FC on April 19, 2026, a result that pushed them into fifth place in the La Liga standings with 58 points from 32 matches. The victory was anchored by two penalty saves from 22-year-old academy graduate Unai Marrero, who stepped in for the injured Alex Remiro and denied Girona’s Cristhian Stuani and Miguel Gutiérrez from the spot in the 38th and 62nd minutes respectively.

Matarazzo was effusive in his praise for the young goalkeeper, calling his performance “something special.”

“It’s no coincidence he saved those two penalties,” Matarazzo added. “Unai has been working relentlessly in training, studying opponents, staying ready. When his number was called, he didn’t just indicate up — he delivered. That’s the mark of a professional, and frankly, it’s rare to spot at his age.”

Marrero’s heroics were pivotal in a match that saw Real Sociedad dominate possession (61%) but struggle to break down a compact Girona defense until Mikel Oyarzabal’s 55th-minute goal, followed by a late winner from Brais Méndez in the 83rd. Girona had taken an early lead through Stuani’s 12th-minute penalty, which Marrero ironically would later redeem himself for by saving the Uruguayan’s second attempt.

The win marked Real Sociedad’s fourth victory in their last five La Liga outings, a run that has revitalized their European qualification hopes. With Atlético Madrid and Villarreal both dropping points elsewhere, the Basque side now sits just three points behind fourth place and a Champions League spot.

“We know the table is tight,” Matarazzo said. “Every point from here on out is a battle. But I like where we are — not just in the standings, but in the way we’re playing. We’re harder to beat, we create chances, and we’re getting contributions from all over the pitch.”

The coach also addressed the broader context of the season, acknowledging the challenges of competing across multiple fronts. Real Sociedad remain in contention in the Copa del Rey, having advanced to the semifinals where they will face Atlético Madrid in a two-legged tie beginning May 1.

“The Copa is important to us,” Matarazzo said. “It’s a trophy our fans care about deeply. But we can’t lose sight of the league either. The schedule is brutal — games every three days, travel, recovery. We have to manage it smartly, rotate when needed, but never lose our identity.”

Injury updates remain a concern. Defensive stalwart Robin Le Normand is progressing from a hamstring strain but is unlikely to feature in the Copa semifinal first leg. Midfielder Martín Zubimendi, however, returned to full training this week and is expected to start against Atlético.

“Martín’s presence changes how we play,” Matarazzo noted. “He brings calm, control, the ability to dictate tempo. Having him back gives us options — and that’s vital in a run-in like this.”

Looking ahead, Real Sociedad face a pivotal stretch: the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg at Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium on May 1 (9:00 p.m. CEST / 19:00 UTC), followed by a La Liga home match against Sevilla FC on May 4 (4:00 p.m. CEST / 14:00 UTC).

“May is going to define our season,” Matarazzo said. “We’ve earned the right to be in these games. Now we have to see if we can seize the next step.”

For a coach in his first full season at the helm — having taken over in December 2024 after the departure of Imanol Alguacil — the progress has been notable. Under Matarazzo, Real Sociedad have improved their defensive organization (conceding just 0.9 goals per game in La Liga since January) while maintaining their trademark positional play and high pressing intensity.

Analysts have pointed to the integration of youth as a key factor. Alongside Marrero, 20-year-old winger Luca Sangalli and 19-year-old midfielder Jon Pacheco have seen increased minutes, reflecting the club’s long-standing commitment to developing homegrown talent.

“We don’t just talk about our academy — we live it,” Matarazzo said. “When a kid like Unai steps in and makes two penalty saves in a La Liga match, it’s not luck. It’s years of operate, of trust, of believing in the process. That’s what this club stands for.”

As the season enters its final month, Real Sociedad find themselves in a familiar position: on the cusp of something significant, but not yet there. For Matarazzo, the focus remains clear.

“We’re not done,” he said simply. “We’ve reach far, but we want more. And if we keep working, keep believing — who knows how far this can go?”

The next checkpoint is the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg against Atlético Madrid on May 1 at the Metropolitano Stadium. Fans can follow live updates via the official La Liga website and Real Sociedad’s digital platforms.

What do you think of Matarazzo’s assessment and Real Sociedad’s chances in the final stretch? Share your thoughts in the comments below — and if you found this insight useful, consider sharing it with fellow fans.