Matarazzo questions red card in Real Sociedad win: "Harsh and I didn't know why"

Pellegrino Matarazzo ended the match against Sevilla with mixed emotions. Real Sociedad collected their first home win of the La Liga season, a result the coach celebrated, but the final minutes turned sour with a red card that left him baffled. The American was sent off along with Toprak in an incident that he struggled to understand even after chatting with the referee.

• Matarazzo was sent off late in Real Sociedad's win over Sevilla.
• The coach says he did not say anything offensive and considers the red card harsh.
• Toprak was also dismissed in the same incident.
• Real Sociedad earned their first home victory of the season.
• Oyarzabal produced a decisive display capped by a stunning team goal.

Why Matarazzo was shown a red card against Sevilla

The Real Sociedad boss walked into the press room still going over the closing stages. He kept commenting on the play with the club's press officer, using wide gestures as he spoke. After the final whistle he was able to talk to the referee, who explained that the red card came because too many people were protesting in the technical area. Matarazzo felt a yellow card and a warning would have been fairer, since there had been no previous caution or clear communication.

I was astonished when I saw the red because I didn't understand why. I didn't say anything bad. He told me it was because too many people were protesting in the technical area. It would have been good if he had told me then and we could have solved it.

Toprak's dismissal puzzled him just as much. The defender was focused on a set piece and, according to his coach, has no idea why he was sent off. Matarazzo also addressed the moment when Remiro asked for treatment on the pitch, saying the goalkeeper is fine for now and playing down that particular episode.

First home win of the season for Real Sociedad

Victory over Sevilla felt essential. Matarazzo pointed out that the team had gone two matches without winning this season, so getting back on track was a priority. Doing it in the first home game carried extra weight, since it offered a chance to reconnect with the Anoeta crowd. The coach believed the win was deserved thanks to the ambition and energy shown by his players, even if the mistakes will demand further work.

He refused to get carried away, though. Asked whether the first-half performance reflected what he wants, Matarazzo admitted the team is still far from his ideal. He liked the pressing, but considered the goal conceded too easy and pointed out that defensive transitions need much better communication.

Oyarzabal's match-winning impact and praise for the back line

Mikel Oyarzabal dominated much of the coach's assessment. The captain once again showed his ability to settle matches and his deep commitment to Real Sociedad. Matarazzo highlighted the second goal, a move in which Turrientes played a firm forward pass and Oyarzabal, after slowing down and accelerating again, set up Orri Óskarsson to finish with pace. The forward's work ethic and team spirit mattered as much to the coach as his talent.

The praise did not stop there. Igor Zubeldia and Jon Aramburu were described as warriors, physically strong in duels and eager to step forward. The performance of Marchal, a young talent who earned minutes, also drew compliments. Matarazzo underlined his quiet confidence, technical quality and ability to create chances without neglecting his defensive duties.

Transfer ambition and the Héctor Fort hint from Matarazzo

Matarazzo used the press conference to highlight the club's ambition, something he senses in the conversations about the transfer market. He said the internal discussions have been productive and that he understands all the decisions made, which he considers vital. That medium and long-term vision leaves him optimistic, while keeping all four competitions on the table for this season.

The most curious moment came when he was asked about Héctor Fort, who was watching from the directors' box at Anoeta. The coach looked at the press officer and asked whether the signing was already official. When told it was not, he smiled and said he would soon be able to talk about the player. On possible departures, he made clear that his job is to give every footballer clarity about their situation: those who stay will be treated fairly and nobody will be forced to leave.

A champion embracing pressure, not fearing it

Rather than feeling weighed down by the need to win after a title, Matarazzo sees the demands as motivation. He senses ambition in his squad and believes the process the team is following is the right one. Although the side is not yet at one hundred percent, he is convinced the path is correct. The goal, he repeated, is to attack every competition with Real Sociedad as a leading force.