Real Sociedad under Matarazzo secure victory over Athletic Bilbao in Copa del Rey semi-final opener

Benat Turrientes netted the decisive goal as Real Sociedad claimed a 1-0 advantage in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Basque counterparts Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday evening.

Under the guidance of American manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, La Real have remained undefeated in their last nine outings across various competitions since his appointment, and they showcased a strong performance at Athletic's San Mames venue to earn a well-deserved win in this heated regional derby.

The defending champions Barcelona are set to face Atletico Madrid on Thursday in the opening match of the other semi-final tie.

This result positions Real Sociedad favourably for a potential spot in the Seville showpiece, extending their positive momentum under the leadership of the New Jersey-born coach.

"Securing this outcome means we can host the return fixture with our supporters behind us," Turrientes shared with Movistar.

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Although it is not as substantial a margin as we might have hoped, it is still a solid foundation for the upcoming home game."

Athletic Bilbao, who boast 24 triumphs in the competition, surpassed only by Barcelona, have faced challenges with form this campaign and found themselves outplayed before their frustrated supporters in this fiercely contested local encounter.

Throughout the opening period, Real Sociedad gradually built their intensity and voiced a compelling case for a spot-kick just before the break, when Aymeric Laporte appeared to handle Duje Caleta-Car's headed attempt.

The away side controlled proceedings after the restart, with Pablo Marin hitting the upright from near distance following a save by Athletic keeper Alex Padilla on Mikel Oyarzabal's shot.

The energetic Portuguese forward Goncalo Guedes missed a chance before setting up the match's solitary strike in Bilbao.

As Guedes advanced, Padilla brought him down, yet the official allowed play to continue, enabling Turrientes to slot home the pass from the winger, delivered moments prior to the foul, into an unguarded goal.

At the opposite end, Spain international Nico Williams saw his effort repelled for Athletic, but it was Real Sociedad posing the greater threat and appearing more poised to extend their lead than to surrender an equaliser.

"We held our own during the initial 45 minutes, but in the latter half they found ways to penetrate our lines," confessed Athletic forward Inaki Williams to Movistar.

"The return match awaits, and overturning a 1-0 deficit is certainly achievable, so we will push hard."

The return fixture is scheduled for March 4 at the Reale Arena.