Spain: San Sebastian reaches finals
Real Sociedad San Sebastian advances to the Copa del Rey final after a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the semifinals.
Real Sociedad San Sebastian has secured a place in the Copa del Rey final by defeating Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in a tense semifinal match played at their home ground, Estadio Anoeta. The victory came courtesy of a late penalty converted by Mikel Oyarzabal in the 87th minute, following a 1-0 win in the first leg of the tie. This marks San Sebastian's first final berth since they last won the tournament in the 2019/20 season.
The road to the final has seen San Sebastian overcoming significant challenges, particularly in a competitive environment with their rivals, Athletic Bilbao, who had also aimed for the title. Notably, this semifinal showcased the competitive spirit in Spanish football, underscoring the importance of regional rivalries in the Copa del Rey. San Sebastian's manager, Pellegrino Matarazzo, commended his team's resilience and performance throughout the knockout stages.
In the final, scheduled for April 25 in Seville, San Sebastian will face Atlético Madrid, who advanced despite a heavy loss to FC Barcelona in the other semifinal. Atlético secured their final spot with a dominant 4-0 win in the first leg, highlighting their strength in knockout competitions. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest as San Sebastian seeks to reclaim their title against a formidable opponent.