More than 100,000 supporters poured into San Sebastián’s streets on Monday to revel in Real Sociedad’s Copa del Rey triumph. The Basque side edged Atlético Madrid in a penalty shootout on Saturday, clinching its first major silverware since 2021. Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo lifted the trophy just four months after arriving, becoming the inaugural U.S.-born manager to win a European competition.

From the town hall balcony, Matarazzo attempted a brief address in Euskara, apologising for any mistakes and declaring, “We are champions, and this is just the beginning.” Fans responded with a chorus of “Rino, Rino, Rino Matarazzo,” while the 6‑foot‑6 manager joked about hoisting the cup higher than anyone else. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal then raised the trophy, thanking the crowd amid shouts of “Ballon d’Or.”

Since taking over a struggling side in December, Matarazzo has steered Real Sociedad to seventh place in LaLiga and now added a coveted trophy to the cabinet. His previous stints at Stuttgart and Hoffenheim underscore a rapid rise in European management circles. The victory not only rewards a season‑long rebuild but also cements the Basque club’s return to elite competition.