Matarazzo’s Real Sociedad beat Athletic in Copa semi first leg

BILBAO, Spain: Benat Turrientes fired Real Sociedad into a 1-0 Copa del Rey semifinal first leg lead at Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo’s La Real, unbeaten in nine games across all competitions since he took charge, impressed at Athletic’s San Mames stadium and deserved their derby triumph. On Thursday holders Barcelona visit Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the second semifinal. Real Sociedad took a convincing step toward reaching the Seville final as they continued their run of fine form under New Jersey native Matarazzo.