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After a frustrating fourth consecutive defeat to Basque rivals Athletic Club two weeks ago, Real Sociedad bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Real Betis at Anoeta on Sunday. The win not only lifted them a point above Los Verdiblancos in the standings but also helped soothe the sting of their derby loss.
The Txuri-Urdin’s response came after a heated match against Athletic, during which manager Imanol Alguacil criticized his players for their lack of competitiveness, even saying he would have substituted the entire team at halftime if he could. This time, his tone was notably more positive.
“It was the type of game I was asking for: the team showed maturity, security, and didn’t give anything away,” Alguacil told Relevo.
“Neither side played exceptionally well offensively, but that’s because defensively, we worked hard and effectively. We were fortunate to score twice in the first half, and defensively, we didn’t allow them any real chances to score.”
Alguacil also reserved praise for captain Mikel Oyarzabal, highlighting his invaluable contribution to the team.
“I will always defend Mikel. I’ve said it before—the day he’s gone, we’ll truly understand his importance to La Real. I’m fortunate to work with him every day. It’s not just about the goals or stats; it’s about what he brings to the team as a whole.”
This comes after Oyarzabal had publicly criticized Alguacil’s earlier comments, suggesting that the team’s strategy needed reassessment rather than questioning the players’ commitment. The Euro 2024 winner, however, appeared in better spirits after the Betis victory.
“Winning matters, but so does the affection and support of the fans, and that’s what I focus on,” said Oyarzabal. “I feel valued and supported, and that’s what drives me to keep helping Real Sociedad and pushing the club to new heights.”
Up next for Real Sociedad is a Copa del Rey clash against Conquense on Thursday, followed by a trip to Leganés on Sunday. While inconsistency has plagued their season, recent performances suggest the team might finally be finding its stride.
