Pellegrino Matarazzo has Real Sociedad dreaming after Copa del Rey final surge | OneFootball

Real Sociedad, once down in 16th in La Liga EA Sports, are eyeing Europe and have reached the Copa del Rey final under New Jersey-born head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, whose only defeat since taking over came against Real Madrid.

Their 1-0 win over Athletic Club sealed a 2-0 aggregate and, according to AS, made Matarazzo the first coach born in the United States to lead a team into a final of a major competition in Europe’s top five leagues.

Since his arrival the record stands at nine wins, five draws and one loss. Real Sociedad sit eighth on 35 points, having collected 17 points from 17 matches before he arrived.

He has overseen a selection shake-up, leaving previously untouchable figures such as Zubeldía and Gorrotxategui out to favour players in stronger form.

Analytical by nature, the Columbia University Applied Mathematics graduate has folded that mindset into his schemes. Mikel Oyarzabal remains the club’s standard-bearer and has backed the coach, saying the squad have stepped up since his arrival and hope it continues.

In the final Matarazzo will face a compatriot, two if including Obed Vargas, who was born in Alaska but is naturalised Mexican. Johnny Cardoso and Atlético de Madrid beat Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate, with the Catalans’ 3-0 win on Tuesday not enough after a 4-0 first leg. Cardoso played the full 90 minutes and has become important for Diego Simeone.

Matarazzo now puts his name forward and could be an option for the United States national team after Mauricio Pochettino’s process.

Source: AS