Matarazzo Embraces Pressure Ahead of Copa del Rey Final Against Atletico Madrid

Real Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo exuded confidence as his team prepared for the Copa del Rey final against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. La Real aims to secure their second title in five years, having last lifted the trophy in 2021, and they enter the match as a surprise contender following a strong second half of the season. This final marks Matarazzo's debut in such a high-stakes match, contrasting against Diego Simeone, who has led Atletico Madrid to victory in six of his ten finals. Matarazzo expressed deep respect for Simeone's tactical prowess and emotional approach to the game, stating, "I like the emotionality that he brings to the game." Selection dilemmas abound for Real Sociedad as Jon Gorrotxategi and Mikel Oyarzabal recover from injuries. Matarazzo confirmed that Unai Marrero, who has played nearly every Copa match, will be replaced by first-choice Alex Remiro. He noted the fitness of players like Yangel Herrera and Takefusa Kubo, hinting at possible starting roles. Matarazzo conveyed optimism about his players' mental readiness, declaring, "We’re doing very well, the players are doing very well... Top condition. We feel very good." He emphasized the importance of managing tension, stating, "We must ensure that everyone has the optimal level of tension for the match; too much can be bad." As underdogs, Real Sociedad's journey to the final has been remarkable, especially considering they were 16th in La Liga when Matarazzo took over. He reflected on their progress, noting, "We don’t set limits... that’s what’s helped us to get where we are now." Under his leadership, La Real has won 11 of 18 matches, with losses only to top teams, showcasing their potential as they prepare for the final.

Source: Football España - 2026-04-17