The new Txuri-Urdin boss remains unbeaten in his first three games in charge.
The so-called “new-manager bounce” has materialised for Pellegrino Matarazzo at Real Sociedad, who remain unbeaten under the 48-year-old coach. Heading into Sunday’s game against LALIGA EA SPORTS leaders FC Barcelona on the back of a win, a draw and a hard-fought Copa del Rey qualification with Matarazzo in charge, the Basque side will look to build on their momentum in their bid to climb up the table. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.
Matarazzo’s debut in the dugout saw Real Sociedad grab a 1-1 draw against fourth-placed Atlético de Madrid on home soil, with Gonçalo Guedes cancelling out Alexander Sørloth’s goal. What followed was a convincing outing away at Getafe CF, where Real Sociedad got a late Jon Aramburu goal to secure a 2-1 victory – their first league win since late November. Brais Méndez opened the scoring in the first half, with Juanmi levelling the scores in the 90th minute. And, the Txuri-Urdin fought back in stoppage time and found the winner through Aramburu, who headed home following a Take Kubo corner kick.
“It’s about wanting to win, we work hard to have luck,” Matarazzo said at the post-game press conference. “It’s part of this club’s DNA, with a mentality of pressing, dominating the ball, and I’m happy to maintain that DNA. Football is also evolving, and I’m happy to maintain the DNA and look for solutions.”
After the morale-boosting win at Getafe CF, Real Sociedad hosted CA Osasuna in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday. The visitors hit the ground running by taking an early two-goal lead, but goals from Beñat Turrientes and Igor Zubeldia in the closing stages sent the game to extra time. Mikel Oyarzabal failed to convert from the spot, missing a huge opportunity to complete the comeback, but Unai Marrero made two saves in the penalty shootout and Real Sociedad progressed to the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
Taking on an in-form FC Barcelona
While Real Sociedad are bouncing back after a slow start of the season that saw them bounce around the relegation spots, FC Barcelona are heading into the duel on the back of nine straight league victories. Fresh off a 3-2 win over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, the Catalan side returned from Saudi Arabia with their first trophy of the season and fourth under Hansi Flick.
Meanwhile, three straight 2-0 wins in the league against CA Osasuna, Villarreal CF and RCD Espanyol have allowed Flick’s side to maintain a four-point advantage over the second-placed Los Blancos.
FC Barcelona may have won both their last two duels against Real Sociedad, but the Basque team had previously managed to end an eight-game winless run at home against Barça by grabbing a 1-0 victory in their last encounter in San Sebastián.
Los Azulgranas came out victorious from the first league duel between the two teams this season, which took place back in September at the Estadi Olímpic. Álvaro Odriozola broke the deadlock just after the half-an-hour mark, but Jules Koundé netted a timely equaliser just before the break. The hosts managed to turn the game around on the hour mark, with Lamine Yamel setting up Robert Lewandowski for their team’s second goal and a 2-1 win.
Heading into the reverse fixture, it now remains to be seen if FC Barcelona will manage to halt Real Sociedad’s momentum under Matarazzo, or whether the Basque side will extend their unbeaten run to six games across all competitions.
