Matarazzo could make Spanish history in Copa del Rey final | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid trail Hansi Flick’s Barcelona in LaLiga, yet Diego Simeone’s side are four games from a potential double. The quickest route is Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad in Seville.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, victory at La Cartuja at 21:00 would vindicate their summer outlay and ease the pressure before the Champions League semi-finals.

Opponents Real Sociedad are led by Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has won over a demanding Anoeta despite Imanol Alguacil’s lingering legend. If he lifts the trophy, he would become the first United States-born coach to win a title in Spain.

The New Jersey native, son of Italian immigrants, is the first American-born boss in LaLiga’s top flight. He emerged from Germany, assisting Julian Nagelsmann at Hoffenheim, then managing Stuttgart and later Hoffenheim, and reached San Sebastián mid-season after Sergio Francisco struggled.

La Real pivoted after 16 matches returned only 16 points, and since then results have surged. In 18 games under Matarazzo they have 11 wins, four draws and three defeats.

Atlético possess far greater resources. Their squad is valued at €587 million to La Real’s €272.2 million, with this season’s spending €229.95 million against €21.5 million. Net, Atlético are €84.45 million down after €145.5 million in sales, while Real generated €63.5 million following Martín Zubimendi’s exit.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo