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.
Athletic, 24-time winners — more than any side other than Barcelona — have struggled for consistency this season and were second best in front of their disappointed fans in a typically intense derby clash.
La Real slowly inched up the pressure during the first half and had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down before half-time when Aymeric Laporte handled Duje Caleta-Car’s header.
They largely dominated after the interval and Pablo Marin struck the post from close range after Athletic goalkeeper Alex Padilla saved Mikel Oyarzabal’s effort.
Lively Portuguese winger Goncalo Guedes fired wide before creating the only goal of the game in Bilbao.
Guedes was taken out by Padilla as he ran through but the referee played advantage as Turrientes fired the winger’s pass, released just before the collision, into an empty net.
Spain winger Nico Williams had a shot blocked for Athletic at the other end but it was Real Sociedad creating more danger and looking more likely to score a second than concede a leveller.
The second leg takes place on March 4 at the Reale Arena.
Matarazzo’s Real Sociedad beat Athletic in Copa semi first leg
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Matarazzo’s Real Sociedad beat Athletic in Copa semi first leg
- Real Sociedad took a convincing step toward reaching the Seville final as they continued their run of fine form under New Jersey native Matarazzo
FIA signs cooperation agreement with Arab League
- FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says pact reflects commitment to deliver practical solutions for mobility, tourism and regional cooperation
DUBAI: The FIA, the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organizations worldwide, has signed an agreement with the Arab League to strengthen cooperation across transport, tourism, sport, and regional policy.
The aim of the pact is to improve cross-border movement through internationally recognized travel and transport documents, including the Carnet de Passages en Douane system for the temporary admission of vehicles, and the International Driving Permit.
Both play an important role in facilitating travel, trade, and tourism, supporting greater regional integration, according to a recent press release from the organization.
FIA Member Clubs are trusted issuers of CPDs and International Driving Permits, working closely with national authorities and international frameworks.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA’s president, said: “This memorandum reflects the FIA’s commitment to working in partnership to deliver practical solutions that support mobility, tourism and regional cooperation.
“By strengthening collaboration with the League of Arab States, we are reinforcing the role of our FIA Member Clubs as trusted partners in facilitating cross-border movement and contributing to economic integration across the region.”
Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Maliki, assistant secretary-general and head of the economic affairs sector of the Arab League, said: “The LAS General Secretariat places great importance on building partnerships with international and regional organizations in this vital sector in all its forms.
“The FIA is a leading international organization active in transport, tourism, road safety and motorsport for development, and includes national clubs from a number of Arab countries among its members.”
Essa Hamza, chair of the FIA MENA Council, added: “This partnership delivers a platform to advance regional connectivity. Together we are strengthening tourism and cross-border travel, creating a real impact for people and institutions across the Arab world.”
Signed at the league’s general secretariat in Cairo, the agreement builds a framework for practical collaboration and knowledge sharing, the press release stated.
