Imanol’s groundwork and Matarazzo’s touch as Real Sociedad reach another historic final | OneFootball

Real Sociedad have returned to the Copa del Rey final. They will face Atlético de Madrid at La Cartuja on 18 April.

As reported by AS, the club’s outlook on the competition has transformed after decades of mixed fortunes. After lifting the trophy in 1987 under John Benjamin Toshack against Atlético, only a 2014 semi-final under Jagoba Arrasate, ended by Barcelona, interrupted a long run of early exits.

Imanol Alguacil turned the Cup from a chore into a priority. The breakthrough arrived in 2019-2020, when La Real beat Athletic in a final postponed to 2021 because of the pandemic.

Consistency followed, with regular deep runs. Before booking this trip to Sevilla, they reached back-to-back semi-finals, falling narrowly to Mallorca two seasons ago and then to Real Madrid last year.

This season has been unusual because of a change in the dugout. Sergio Francisco oversaw the early rounds, then Pellegrino Matarazzo took charge.

The American coach has built on Alguacil’s legacy to place Real Sociedad within reach of silverware again. Now they return to La Cartuja, a stage already entwined with the club’s modern story.

Source: AS