Real Sociedad Strikes First at San Mamés
The Real Sociedad made a significant statement at San Mamés during a high-stakes cup semifinal, showcasing their skills and determination. The encounter was marked by the intensity of the match, with memories of a recent league derby still fresh in mind and a final at La Cartuja on the horizon. The txuri urdin team took control early, asserting their dominance and exhibiting maturity throughout the game.
Real Sociedad Claims Victory at San Mamés
With this win, Real Sociedad solidified their confidence as they head into the second leg of the semifinal at Anoeta. The players displayed leadership and tenacity, taking a crucial step towards the final.
Key Highlights from the Match
- Final Score: Real Sociedad 1, Athletic Club 0
- Scorer: Beñat Turrientes (61st minute)
- Match Official: José María Sánchez Martínez
- Yellow Cards:
- Gonçalo Guedes (57th minute)
- Álvaro Odriozola (63rd minute)
- Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta (64th minute)
- Pellegrino Matarazzo (93rd minute)
- Mikel Oyarzabal (95th minute)
Under the management of Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has transformed the team’s fortunes, Real Sociedad remains unbeaten in their matches of 2026. This marks a turnaround from just a few months prior when the team struggled for form.
Match Overview
San Mamés, often a fortress for the Athletic Club, saw an overwhelming presence from the visitors. Real Sociedad controlled the rhythm of the game and created numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Although several chances were blocked by Alex Padilla, the Athletic goalkeeper, the breakthrough finally came in the 61st minute when Turrientes netted the decisive goal.
The early stages featured strong performances from players like Pablo Marín and Alex Padilla, whose saves kept the home team in contention for longer than they might have hoped. A pivotal moment arrived just before halftime when a potential penalty for a handball was dismissed after VAR review, igniting frustration among Real Sociedad players.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Real Sociedad | Athletic Club |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on Target | 8 | 2 |
| Possession (%) | 58 | 42 |
Next Steps
With a vital win secured at San Mamés, Real Sociedad turns their focus to the upcoming leg at Anoeta. The team is now on the brink of reaching the final at La Cartuja, buoyed by their performance and the belief that they can achieve something significant this season.
This victory not only bolsters their cup ambitions but marks a formidable step in their season, showcasing the resurgence of a team that is ready to compete at the highest level.
