'Pure joy' for Matarazzo after Copa del Rey triumph

TL;DR

Real Sociedad won the Copa del Rey by defeating Atletico Madrid on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo became the first American coach to win a major trophy in Europe's top five leagues.

Key points

Real Sociedad won the Copa del Rey
Defeated Atletico Madrid on penalties
Pellegrino Matarazzo is the first American coach to win a major trophy in Europe
Victory marks the fourth Copa del Rey title for Real Sociedad
Matarazzo praised the team's commitment and quality

Mentioned in this story

Pellegrino MatarazzoMikel OyarzabalDiego Simeone

Real SociedadAtletico MadridCopa del Rey

Real Sociedad defeated Atletico Madrid on penalties to claim the Copa del Rey trophy on Saturday in Seville (CRISTINA QUICLER) (CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/AFP) Real Sociedad coach Pellegrino Matarazzo was elated after his side defeated Atletico Madrid to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday, making him the first American coach to claim a major trophy with a club from Europe's top five leagues. La Real triumphed 4-3 in the shoot-out following a pulsating 2-2 draw after extra-time, to win the trophy for only the fourth time in the club's history. When Matarazzo was appointed in December the Basque team were hovering above the relegation zone, but he has driven them up the table and now to cup glory. "It's probably the first (major trophy) for an Italian-American," said Matarazzo, a New Jersey native born to Italian immigrant parents. Matarazzo said it was not until Pablo Marin's decisive penalty in the shoot-out hit the back of the net that he could really begin to take anything in. "That was the moment where I realised this is real. It's happening," said the coach. "You visualise success and you believe in it and you trust the players, but until you cross the finish line you don't really have the feeling that what is happening (is happening), and then it happens. "And with that penalty, it took a couple of moments to realise, but it's just pure joy." Matarazzo insisted the team's success over the past few months was not just down to him but the daily work that everyone put in, and the quality of the players he has available. "We have fantastic players, unbelievable players on this squad with unbelievable character," he said. "(Behind the success is) the daily work and the commitment that we all have to this team and for this club." Real Sociedad's players, many of them who came through the club's youth system, were also overjoyed. "I've never walked on water but it has to be like this," said Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored a penalty to put his team 2-1 up before half-time. "It's tricky to win a trophy with the team of your life. After this my career is complete and I can die happy."

Q&A

How did Real Sociedad win the Copa del Rey?

Real Sociedad defeated Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular and extra time.

Who is Pellegrino Matarazzo and what is his achievement?

Pellegrino Matarazzo is the coach of Real Sociedad and he became the first American coach to win a major trophy in Europe's top five leagues.

What was Matarazzo's reaction after winning the Copa del Rey?

Matarazzo expressed pure joy and emphasized the team's collective effort and commitment to their success.

What does this victory mean for Real Sociedad's history?

This victory marks the fourth time Real Sociedad has won the Copa del Rey in the club's history.

'Pure joy' for Matarazzo after Copa del Rey triumph

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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