The 48-year-old is undefeated across his first four matches in charge.
Real Sociedad’s season has completely turned around since the club made a coaching change at the end of December. Under Pellegrino Matarazzo, the new coach, La Real have played four matches and remain undefeated. Their latest was against league leaders FC Barcelona on Sunday night, part of LALIGA EA SPORTS Matchday 20, and the Basque side achieved an impressive 2-1 victory. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.
FC Barcelona travelled to San Sebastián on a nine-match winning streak in league play, and they were under a little pressure following Real Madrid’s victory the previous day. Even though the league leaders desperately wanted the three points, they couldn’t overcome a well-organised Real Sociedad side. Mikel Oyarzabal opened scoring just past the half-hour mark in the first half, when he volleyed in a cross from close range. Then, when Marcus Rashford equalised in the 70th minute, La Real immediately responded to retake the lead seconds after kicking off, with Gonçalo Guedes pouncing after some penalty box pinball.
It certainly wasn’t plain sailing for Real Sociedad. FC Barcelona had several chances, hitting the post five times, as well as multiple disallowed goals. But, Real Sociedad capitalised on their slice of luck to clinch all three points. “We were focused for the full 90 minutes and the performance was fantastic,” the coach said afterwards. “We had moments in the match where we had to defend, which is necessary to win a match like this. Some times you create danger, and other times you have to suffer.”
A super start for Pellegrino Matarazzo
Real Sociedad have taken seven points from a possible nine under Matarazzo, drawing with Atlético de Madrid 1-1 in his debut before defeating Getafe CF 2-1 and FC Barcelona by the same scoreline. In between, the Basque side also progressed in the Copa del Rey, winning 4-3 on penalties against CA Osasuna after a 2-2 draw.
Only RC Celta and Girona FC, with three wins from three, have picked up more points than Real Sociedad in the first four weeks of Matarazzo’s tenure. As a result, the Basque club have soared up the table, from 16th to eighth. All of a sudden, they’re back in the European qualification picture.
It’s perfect timing, especially with the BASQUE DERBY coming up on Sunday February 1st, when Real Sociedad travel to take on Athletic Club in Bilbao. They already won the first meeting this season, one of the four league wins achieved under Sergio Francisco, and will now seek to complete a double over their rivals. Not since 2018/19 have La Real beaten their neighbours in both league matches in a single season. This year, with the confidence from Matarazzo’s first few weeks, they might be able to do so.
