Mikel Oyarzabal, el líder silencioso de la Real Sociedad, se prepara para su segundo título en la Copa del Rey tras una trayectoria marcada por la disciplina, la ambición y la conexión con su tierra natal, Eibar. A sus 28 años, el delantero se convierte en símbolo del fútbol vasco, liderando a su equipo en la final contra el Atlético de Madrid en Sevilla. Su estilo de liderazgo, descrito como "silencioso", se basa en la constancia y el ejemplo, características que han definido su carrera desde sus inicios en la cantera del Eibar. Oyarzabal comenzó su formación en las categorías inferiores del Eibar, donde destacó por su madurez y capacidad de toma de decisiones. Su entrenador, Igor Arriaga, recuerda cómo ya en la etapa infantil mostraba una "velocidad, físico y determinación para el gol" superiores al resto. Aunque sus primeros años no parecían augurar un futuro tan brillante, su ambición y dedicación lo llevaron a superar desafíos, incluso en momentos críticos como la rotura de su cruzado de rodilla. "Siempre quería mejorar. Nunca quería terminar el entrenamiento", destacaba Arriaga, quien lo formó junto a Jon Agirreazaldegi. Su progresión fue notable: debutó en la primera plantilla del Eibar en 2015 a los 18 años, y desde entonces ha disputado 429 partidos, anotando 129 goles y realizando 64 asistencias. Su nombre quedó grabado en la historia del club tras marcar el penalti decisivo en la Copa del Rey de 2021, un título que ahora busca repetir. Además, su contribución en la Eurocopa 2024, donde anotó el gol de la victoria frente a Inglaterra, lo convirtió en un referente de la selección española. El entorno de Oyarzabal lo ve como un ejemplo de equilibrio entre el fútbol y la vida personal.#real_sociedad #atltico_de_madrid #sevilla #mikel_oyarzabal #eibar

Mikel Oyarzabal, el futbolista que aparece cuando todo se decide Mikel Oyarzabal se ha convertido en un referente de los jugadores que marcan la diferencia en los momentos más decisivos del fútbol. Su carrera, marcada por la capacidad de actuar en contextos de alta presión, lo ha posicionado como un nombre clave en partidos que definen historias. Desde su llegada a la Real Sociedad hasta su destacada participación en la Selección española, su influencia en los escenarios más importantes ha sido constante. Su trayectoria en la Copa del Rey comenzó a destacarse en 2021, cuando la Real Sociedad enfrentó al Athletic en una final cargada de significado. La victoria de la Real Sociedad en ese partido, gracias a un penalti convertido por Oyarzabal, cerró una sequía de casi 40 años sin títulos para el club. El gol no solo fue decisivo, sino que simbolizó un liderazgo basado en la serenidad y la responsabilidad, cualidades que lo han acompañado en cada momento crítico. Esta capacidad se extendió a otros escenarios internacionales. En la UEFA Nations League de 2021, Oyarzabal abrió el camino hacia la victoria de España en la final contra Francia, aunque el partido terminó con la derrota española tras los goles de Benzema y Mbappé. A pesar del resultado, su actuación fue clave para mantener la esperanza en el partido. En la Eurocopa de 2024, su influencia volvió a ser decisiva. Su gol en la final contra Inglaterra no solo aseguró la victoria de España, sino que consolidó su reputación como un jugador capaz de transformar la tensión en claridad. La jugada de Dani Olmo en los minutos finales, que evitó el empate, reforzó aún más el valor de su tanto. Más allá de las finales, Oyarzabal también ha sido fundamental en los partidos que conducen hacia ellas.#copa_del_rey #real_sociedad #mikel_oyarzabal #uefa_nations_league #seleccin_espaola

Final de la Copa del Rey 2025/2026: Atlético de Madrid vs. Real Sociedad en Sevilla El próximo sábado 18 de abril, a las 21:00 horas, se disputará la final de la Copa del Rey 2025/2026 en el Estadio de La Cartuja de Sevilla. El partido enfrentará al Atlético de Madrid, que busca reafirmar su presencia en la competición tras más de una década sin levantar el trofeo, contra la Real Sociedad, que busca repetir el éxito de 2020 y consolidar su crecimiento en los últimos años. Este enfrentamiento marcará el cierre de una temporada en la que ambos equipos han demostrado solidez competitiva. El encuentro será transmitido en directo por La 1 de TVE, con una cobertura especial desde el estadio, incluyendo análisis tácticos, entrevistas y momentos previos al partido. La retransmisión televisiva será gratuita, permitiendo a millones de aficionados en España y fuera del país seguir el desarrollo del partido. Además, la final podrá verse en streaming a través de RTVE Play, una plataforma que ofrece acceso en directo y contenidos adicionales como reacciones en tiempo real y análisis posteriores al partido. Los seguidores del fútbol podrán disfrutar del evento desde dispositivos móviles o tablets mediante la app oficial de RTVE, compatible con iOS y Android. Para quienes prefieran verlo desde un ordenador, la versión web de RTVE también estará disponible. Esta opción permite acceder al partido sin necesidad de pagar por suscripción, garantizando que el evento sea accesible para todos los aficionados. La final de la Copa del Rey, el trofeo más antiguo del fútbol español, representa una cita clave para ambos equipos.#copa_del_rey #real_sociedad #atltico_de_madrid #estadio_de_la_cartuja #rtve_play

Atlético de Madrid enfrentará los próximos cinco partidos tras su derrota por 2-1 ante el FC Barcelona en la jornada 30 de LaLiga El Atlético de Madrid sufrió una derrota por 2-1 frente al FC Barcelona en el partido de la jornada 30 de LaLiga. Giuliano Simeone abrió el marcador al minuto 39, pero Marcus Rashford igualó el partido al 42. Los colchoneros se quedaron con diez jugadores al final de la primera mitad debido a una tarjeta roja. A pesar de la ventaja numérica, el equipo de Diego Simeone resistió el resultado hasta el minuto 87, cuando Robert Lewandowski consiguió el 2-1 definitivo. El club afronta ahora los cuartos de final de la UEFA Champions League, donde enfrentará al FC Barcelona en la ida de la eliminatoria. Además, espera por la final de la Copa del Rey, donde se enfrentará a la Real Sociedad. La eliminatoria contra el Barcelona en la Champions League será clave, ya que el conjunto catalán ganó 3-0 en la ida y se acercó a los penales en las semifinales de la Copa del Rey. Los próximos cinco partidos del Atlético de Madrid incluyen un enfrentamiento crucial en la Champions League contra el Barcelona, un partido de LaLiga contra el Sevilla, una final de la Copa del Rey contra la Real Sociedad y un partido de LaLiga contra el Elche. Cada uno de estos encuentros representa un desafío importante para el club, especialmente en la etapa decisiva de la temporada. El partido contra el Sevilla en la jornada 31 de LaLiga será complicado, ya que el conjunto sevillista suele elevar su nivel frente a equipos que compiten por la cima. El Atlético ha tenido resultados mixtos en sus visitas al Sánchez-Pizjuán, con un balance de dos victorias, dos empates y dos derrotas en los últimos seis partidos de liga en ese estadio.#la_liga #real_sociedad #atltico_de_madrid #fc_barcelona #uefa_champions_league

Next World Star Joins MLS After Messi and Müller Antoine Griezmann, the French footballer who previously left Atletico Madrid for the United States last winter, has finalized his decision to join Major League Soccer. The transfer to Orlando City has been confirmed by both clubs, with Griezmann set to complete the move in the summer after finishing the current season with Atlético Madrid. Griezmann’s career has spanned over a decade as one of Europe’s top attacking talents. He began his professional journey at Mâconnais before moving to Real Sociedad in 2010. In 2014, he made a high-profile transfer to Atlético Madrid for 54 million euros, marking a significant step in his career. His performance at the Rojiblancos earned him recognition, and in 2019, he broke his own transfer record by moving to FC Barcelona for 120 million euros. However, his time at Camp Nou was challenging, as he struggled to establish himself as a key player. After two seasons, he returned to Madrid on loan in 2021 and later joined permanently for 22 million euros. Griezmann was also a central figure in France’s national team, contributing to their 2018 World Cup victory. His versatility and goal-scoring ability made him a fan favorite, but his career has been marked by frequent transfers and adjustments to new leagues. Now, with his move to MLS, he aims to continue his legacy in a new continent. The decision comes after a period of uncertainty, as his initial transfer to the U.S. fell through last winter. Orlando City’s acquisition of Griezmann represents a significant investment in the club’s future, as the Frenchman’s experience and skill could elevate the team’s performance.#atltico_madrid #real_sociedad #fc_barcelona #orlando_city #antoine_griezmann

Antoine Griezmann: Atletico Madrid Legend to Join MLS Side Orlando City Antoine Griezmann, the former France international and Atletico Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer, is set to make a move to Major League Soccer with Orlando City. The 35-year-old forward, who previously played for Real Sociedad and Barcelona, will join the MLS club this summer after a second spell with Atletico Madrid. Griezmann, who has scored over 200 goals for the club, is nearing 300 career goals across his professional career. In a statement, Griezmann expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter, saying he was “very excited” to begin his time with Orlando City. He highlighted the club’s “strong ambition and clear vision for the future” as key factors in his decision. “I look forward to making Orlando my new home,” he added. Griezmann’s move marks the end of his international career, which he concluded in 2024 after earning 137 caps and scoring 44 goals. He was a key member of the France team that won the 2018 World Cup. The transfer comes as he prepares to relocate to Florida in July, where he will sign a contract that could keep him in MLS until 2029. The transfer is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with Griezmann’s agent confirming the deal is close to completion. His arrival at Orlando City is seen as a significant boost for the club, which aims to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2025 MLS season.#barcelona #atletico_madrid #real_sociedad #orlando_city #antoine_griezmann
Real Madrid's Squad Aims for Victory in Ipurua Ahead of Clásicos Clash The Real Madrid squad, specifically the B team, faces a crucial test at Ipurua ahead of the upcoming Clásicos matches. Captain Rocío Gálvez, a key player for the team, emphasizes the need to give maximum effort in every minute of the game. As the team prepares for three consecutive Clásicos matches within nine days, the objective is to secure three points to maintain their lead over Real Sociedad, who currently occupy third place in the Liga F table. The match also serves as an opportunity to assess the potential of substitute players in the high-performing lineup led by coach Pau Quesada. With Lakrar sidelined for rest, Rocío Gálvez is among the players vying for a spot in the starting XI. Keukelaar, who has been absent for two months, is expected to make a significant impact in this match. Meanwhile, Bruun, dealing with a headache, and Teresa, recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, remain unavailable. Rocío, who shares the captaincy role with Misa, Teresa, and Athenea, is stepping into the third central defensive position under Quesada. She also reflects on the approaching end of her contract with the club. Rocío, who has been a consistent presence for Real Madrid since joining in 2022, has faced challenges due to injuries. She suffered a partial tear of the lateral meniscus in her right knee in 2023, a condition she had previously overcome in 2025. This season, she began the campaign on the sidelines due to injury but has since become a preferred option to provide rest for Lakrar or Méndez. She has now accumulated 1,061 minutes across 13 matches. The match against Eibar presents another chance for the less-frequent starters to prove their worth in Quesada’s elite lineup.#real_madrid #real_sociedad #liga_f #roco_glvez #pau_quesada

Sara Ortega, una 'leona' centenaria: "El Athletic es mi casa, donde he crecido y donde quiero disfrutar cada día" Sara Ortega, una jugadora del Athletic Club, se prepara para enfrentar al Barcelona en un partido clave este sábado. Con 21 años, ha acumulado 102 partidos con el primer equipo desde su debut. El duelo, programado para las 19:00 horas en el Johan Cruyff, representa un desafío importante. "Es un partido bonito, en el que sabes que te van a someter, pero a todas nos gusta jugar. Nos enfrentamos a las mejores del mundo y eso es una motivación extra para llevarnos los tres puntos", afirmó. Para lograr un resultado positivo, destacó la importancia de un partido serio y una defensa sólida. "Llevamos trabajando toda la semana en el plan de partido y ahora toca plasmarlo sobre el verde", añadió. El Athletic enfrenta al Barcelona en un momento crucial, ya que el rival llega tras una semana de descanso tras las semifinales de la Supercopa de España y está en la antesala de la Champions League. "Es un equipo acostumbrado a jugar entre semana y fines de semana, pero creo que es un buen momento para intentar pillarles despistadas. Ante un equipo de tanto nivel es necesario hacer un muy buen partido para rascar algo positivo", insistió. La jugadora, que volverá a medirse a su amiga Vicky López, mencionó que aunque no suelen escribirse antes del partido, siempre hay un "pique" y "vacile" en la previa. El Athletic, octavo en la clasificación con 32 puntos, enfrenta a la Real Sociedad, tercera con 32 puntos, que marca la frontera de las plazas europeas. "No empezamos la temporada de la mejor manera, pero hemos encadenado una muy buena racha que nos hace estar en la lucha. Todavía quedan muchos puntos en juego y vamos a ir a por ello", destacó.#barcelona #real_sociedad #athletic_club #sara_ortega #johan_cruyff

Osasuna vs Girona: La Liga Clash Set for Saturday Girona aim to secure consecutive victories in La Liga as they face Osasuna in a crucial match on Saturday. The visitors currently sit 12th in the standings, eight points above the relegation zone, while Osasuna are 11th, tied on 34 points with their opponents. Both teams are positioned outside the top six, with Girona seven points behind the leaders and Osasuna similarly distant. Osasuna’s campaign has seen them accumulate 34 points from 28 league matches, with a record of nine wins, seven draws, and 12 losses. Their recent form has been mixed, as they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Real Sociedad and have earned just one point from their last three games. However, their home record remains strong, with 25 points collected from 13 matches, including only two defeats. Girona, meanwhile, have maintained consistency on the road, earning 15 points from 14 away games. They enter the match off the back of a 3-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao and have only lost once in their last six La Liga fixtures. Both teams share the same 34-point total, with Girona eight points clear of the relegation zone and both clubs eyeing a top-half finish. Historically, Girona hold a slight edge in head-to-head meetings, with 11 wins to Osasuna’s 10, and they claimed a 1-0 victory in their most recent encounter earlier this season. However, Osasuna’s home advantage and recent performance suggest they could challenge for a positive result. Injuries and squad availability will play a role in the match. Osasuna are missing long-term absentee Iker Benito but have Ruben Garcia and Raul Garcia back from suspensions, with the former expected to start. Ante Budimir, who has scored 13 league goals this season, is also set to feature.#la_liga #girona #osasuna #real_sociedad #athletic_bilbao

Khusanov leads the list of the most expensive football players in Asia The Transfermarkt portal, which tracks football transfers and market values, has updated the transfer prices of players across several national leagues, including the English Premier League. Sports publications have since compiled analyses, with the Vietnamese portal Znews.vn highlighting the most valuable Asian players competing globally. Among eight Asian footballers featured, several have gained attention for their performances in European competitions and their high market value. Abdukodir Khusanov, the Uzbekistan national team defender, tops the list. Currently playing for Manchester City, Khusanov is praised for his speed, tactical awareness, and reliable defensive skills. Transfermarkt estimates his value at around 35 million euros, reflecting both his current form and future potential. His position as the most expensive Asian player underscores his significance in the transfer market. Takefuso Kubo, a Japanese forward for Real Sociedad, ranks second with a transfer value of 30 million euros. Known for his technical skills, quick dribbling, and creativity in attack, Kubo is considered one of Japan’s brightest stars. His consistent performances have solidified his status as a key player in European football. Kayshu Sano, a Japanese midfielder for Mainz 05, is third at 25 million euros. As a defensive midfielder, Sano excels in intercepting passes, disrupting opponent attacks, and maintaining composure under pressure. His disciplined play has made him a valuable asset to his team. Lee Kang-in, a South Korean playmaker for Paris Saint-Germain, is valued at 25 million euros. Recognized for his technical ability, vision, and playmaking skills, Kang-in is regarded as one of the most creative attacking players in Asia.#mainz_05 #real_sociedad #abdukodir_khusanov #transfermarkt #znews_vn

Real Sociedad vs. Osasuna Prediction, Odds, and La Liga Picks Real Sociedad will face Osasuna in a La Liga match at Reale Arena on Sunday, set for 4:00 PM ET. Based on updated simulations, Dimers’ advanced model predicts Real Sociedad as the most probable winner of the encounter. This analysis includes detailed betting insights, probability breakdowns, and strategic recommendations for the game. The predictive model, which ran 10,000 simulations, estimates a 48.9% chance of Real Sociedad securing victory, compared to 25.6% for Osasuna and 25.5% for a draw. The over/under total of 2.5 goals is projected to stay under with a 53% likelihood, according to the model’s statistical analysis. For betting options, the article highlights the best available odds in America, noting that all figures are current at the time of publication and may change. After aligning the model’s probabilities with sportsbook odds, the top recommendation is to bet on Osasuna to win. This choice is based on the discrepancy between the model’s predictions and the implied probabilities from bookmakers. The most likely final scores, according to the model, include a 1-1 draw as the top prediction. For the both teams to score (BTTS) market, the model forecasts a 50.7% chance of both sides finding the net, with a 49.3% probability that at least one team will not score. These projections are derived from each team’s average scoring performance, which may differ from the predicted winner. The match is scheduled to start at 4:00 PM ET in the U.S., with Real Sociedad’s 48.9% win probability remaining the highest among the three outcomes. The analysis emphasizes the use of machine learning and statistical methods to provide accurate insights, while also acknowledging the role of human oversight in maintaining editorial quality.#la_liga #osasuna #real_sociedad #dimers #reale_arena

Real Sociedad and Osasuna Set for La Liga Clash at Reale Arena Real Sociedad and Osasuna will face off at Reale Arena this Sunday in a La Liga match set for a 20:00 kickoff on Premier Sports. The encounter promises to be a key fixture in the 2025/26 season, with both teams vying for improved positions in the league table. Real Sociedad, currently sitting in 8th place with 35 points, will look to build on their recent form, while Osasuna, in 11th with 34 points, aims to strengthen their campaign. The hosts, Real Sociedad, suffered a 3-2 defeat to Atlético de Madrid in their last match, marking a setback in their pursuit of consistency. Osasuna, on the other hand, ended their previous game in a 2-2 draw against Mallorca, showcasing resilience despite limited rewards. The two teams have a storied history, with their most recent meeting ending in a 2-2 stalemate, highlighting the competitive nature of their encounters. For Real Sociedad, the lineup includes Álex Remiro in goal, supported by a defensive line featuring Jon Aramburu, Duje Caleta-Car, and Jon Martín. Midfielders Sergio Gómez, Yangel Herrera, and Carlos Soler will anchor the play, while forwards Luka Sucic, Ánder Barrenetxea, and Orri Óskarsson spearhead the attack. However, the team faces a challenge with Álvaro Odriozola sidelined due to a cruciate ligament tear, a significant loss given his contributions. Osasuna’s squad includes Sergio Herrera in goal, with Valentin Rosier, Alejandro Catena, and Jorge Herrando forming the defensive line. Midfielders Javi Galán, Lucas Torró, and Jon Moncayola will drive the play, while forwards Aimar Oroz, Víctor Muñoz, and Ante Budimir will look to capitalize on opportunities. Notably, the team’s lineup has seen a slight adjustment, with Rubén García replacing another player in the latest fixture.#la_liga #osasuna #real_sociedad #reale_arena #premier_sports

Real Sociedad vs Osasuna: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Real Sociedad and Osasuna will both be looking to return to winning ways when they continue their respective La Liga campaigns with a contest on Sunday night. The hosts are eighth in the La Liga table, five points off sixth-placed Celta Vigo, while Osasuna occupy 11th, only one point behind their opponents at Reale Arena. Real Sociedad have a record of nine wins, eight draws, and 10 defeats from their 27 league matches this season, with 35 points leaving them in eighth spot in the division. The Basque outfit are only five points off sixth-placed Celta and therefore very much in the race for Europe heading towards the final straight, but consistency has been a problem this season. Pellegrino Matarazzo's side will enter this match off the back of a 3-2 loss to Atletico Madrid, but they have picked up four points from their last three league games and have also managed to secure their spot in the Copa del Rey final. Real Sociedad have a record of six wins, three draws, and four defeats from their 13 home league matches this season, and they will be welcoming an Osasuna outfit that have only managed to post two wins from their 14 La Liga fixtures on their travels. La Real have won their last three matches against Osasuna, including a 3-1 victory when the two teams locked horns in the reverse game earlier this season. Osasuna lost on penalties to Real Sociedad in the last-16 stage of the Copa del Rey in January, but they have managed to win three of their last six games against Sunday's opponents, including a 2-0 success at Reale Arena in October 2024. Alessio Lisci's side will enter this match off the back of a 2-2 draw with Mallorca, while they were beaten by Valencia in their last away fixture at the start of the month.#la_liga #copa_del_rey #osasuna #real_sociedad #reale_arena

La Liga es el pan; Sevilla, el postre El partido de Real Sociedad contra Atlético de Madrid en el Metropolitano este sábado tiene un peso específico, especialmente tras el descanso del jueves. La Real Sociedad llega a Madrid con la mirada puesta en la final de la Copa del Rey, pero la prioridad es la Liga, que actúa como la base de seguridad para el club. El Atlético, liderado por Simeone, es un rival difícil, ya que en su estadio se muestra como un equipo de alta intensidad. Aunque el 18 de abril en La Cartuja es un objetivo importante, la Liga es el foco principal para mantener la competitividad en Europa. La Copa del Rey no puede ser el único sustento, por lo que la clasificación en la Liga es clave. La Real Sociedad debe demostrar que no se deja llevar por la presión y que tiene la mentalidad necesaria para enfrentar a rivales de alto nivel. La victoria en este partido sería un impulso para el resto de la temporada. El técnico Pellegrino Matarazzo enfrenta a un equipo que ha cambiado su cara, con un estilo de juego más directo. La exigencia es alta, ya que el Atlético es un rival que no se anda con miramientos. La Real Sociedad debe mostrar su fuerza y resolver los desafíos que plantea el partido. La Liga es el plato principal, y el partido contra el Atlético es una oportunidad para consolidar su posición en la tabla. El partido también sirve como preparación para el enfrentamiento contra Sevilla, donde se espera un desafío más complicado. La Real Sociedad debe tener claro que el éxito en marzo es fundamental para tener confianza en la Liga. La victoria en el Metropolitano reforzaría su posición y mostraría que el equipo está dispuesto a competir en todos los frentes. La Liga es el sustento, y el partido contra el Atlético es una prueba clave para mantener la continuidad.#copa_del_rey #real_sociedad #atltico_de_madrid #metropolitano #simeone

Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Club: Copa del Rey Semifinal Preview Real Sociedad faces Athletic Club in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal on Wednesday, March 4. The Basque derby, held at Real Sociedad’s home stadium, San Mamés, sees the home team enter with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg. Beñat Turrientes scored the decisive goal in the opening match, securing a road victory for Sociedad. The two clubs are closely matched in La Liga, with Real Sociedad currently in eighth place and Athletic Club in ninth. Both teams have accumulated 35 points after 26 matches, reflecting their strong performances this season. The rivalry between the sides is further highlighted by their recent Copa del Rey history. Real Sociedad last claimed the trophy in 2020, defeating Athletic Club in the final, while Athletic Club won the competition in 2024 by overcoming Mallorca. The winner of this semifinal will face Atletico Madrid in the final. Atletico advanced to the final by narrowly defeating Barcelona in the other semifinal. The upcoming match will determine which Basque club advances to the final, adding to the significance of the derby. Despite the teams’ parity, Real Sociedad holds a slight edge due to the first-leg advantage and the home crowd’s support. The match is expected to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides aiming to secure a place in the final. Analysts predict a narrow victory for the hosts, with Real Sociedad likely to dominate proceedings on their turf. The game will be broadcast live, with fans across Spain and beyond eagerly anticipating the outcome. As the teams prepare for the high-stakes encounter, the rivalry’s history and the potential for a dramatic final showdown continue to fuel excitement for the tournament’s next chapter.#copa_del_rey #atletico_madrid #real_sociedad #athletic_club #san_mame_s
Real Sociedad and Athletic Club Set for High-Stakes Derby Semi-Final Clash Athletic Club heads into Wednesday’s semi-final showdown against Real Sociedad at Anoeta Stadium with the weight of overturning a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. The Basque side, known as El Txuri-Urdin, enters the match as favorites despite missing key player Nico Williams, who is sidelined due to injury. Manager Ernesto Valverde confirmed to MD that Williams would not be fit to play, while Yuri Berchiche and Aymeric Laporte are also dealing with discomfort, leaving their availability uncertain. On the other hand, Real Sociedad’s Pellegrino Matarazzo revealed that Orri Oskarsson is out of the squad for recovery, though Ander Barrenetxea and Luka Sucic are expected to feature. Both managers hinted that reserve goalkeepers Alex Padilla (Athletic) and Unai Marrero (Real Sociedad) could start, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to the match. Valverde emphasized his team’s focus on executing a plan rather than worrying about the match’s duration. “We don’t care if it’s a long or short match,” he said. “Our priority is to come back. If we don’t concede, we just need to score one. If we do concede, we have to score more. The match will last around 90 minutes, but the outcome depends on how we manage the game.” He also downplayed concerns about conceding two goals on aggregate, noting the absence of the away goals rule. “Now, if we concede two, we have to score more than the opponent. We’ll try to win the game and I don’t expect a close match. We’re going to give it our all to win.” Matarazzo, meanwhile, praised his team’s preparation and energy ahead of the clash. “What I’m feeling is a really good energy, the perfect level of tension,” he said. “We can’t be too tense for an important match.#real_sociedad #athletic_club #anoeta_stadium #er_Nesto_valverde #pellegrino_matarazzo
Real Sociedad Faces Historic Home Derby Streak in Copa del Rey Final Real Sociedad has released the final list of ticket allocations for the Copa del Rey final, with the match against Atlético Madrid set to take place at Anoeta Stadium. The encounter is expected to be a pivotal moment in the club’s history, as they aim to extend their dominance in home derbies. The fixture has been described as a potential milestone, given the significance of the rivalry and the stakes involved. The draw for the final has raised concerns about Atlético Madrid’s preparation, as the team arrives with significantly less rest compared to Real Sociedad. This imbalance could impact the match dynamics, particularly in a high-intensity derby. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad has sold 6,752 tickets for the final, with an additional 612 seats available for purchase before the draw. The club has emphasized the importance of securing a strong fan turnout to support their campaign. A key development in the buildup to the final is the injury suffered by Yangel Herrera, who sustained a soleus muscle tear. The forward’s absence could affect Real Sociedad’s attacking options, as Herrera has been a vital player in their recent performances. Medical assessments are ongoing, and his availability for the final remains uncertain. The match is also being framed as a critical test for Real Sociedad’s resilience, with the club aiming to break records in their home derby streak. The final’s significance extends beyond the competition, as it represents a chance to solidify their status as one of Spain’s top clubs. Fans and analysts are closely monitoring the preparations, with the outcome likely to shape the club’s trajectory in the coming seasons.#atltico_madrid #copa_del_rey #real_sociedad #anoeta_stadium #yangel_herrera
Real Sociedad Advances to Copa del Rey Final with 1-0 Win Over Athletic Real Sociedad secured their place in the Copa del Rey final with a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the semifinal return leg at Anoeta on Wednesday. The win, which extends their lead from the first leg’s 0-1 advantage, sets up a final showdown against Atlético Madrid on April 18 at La Cartuja. The match began with Athletic pressing aggressively, creating the first chance in the 4th minute when Berenguer’s header was saved by Padilla. Real Sociedad, however, gradually took control, dominating possession and creating several opportunities. Carlos Soler came close in the 23rd minute with a free-kick that was cleared by Padilla. Despite their dominance, the visitors struggled to convert chances, and the first half ended with the score at 0-0. In the second half, Real Sociedad’s pressure intensified, while Athletic’s attacking options were limited. A critical moment came in the 70th minute when referee Álvaro Soto reviewed a challenge by Ruiz de Galarreta on Yangel Herrera. The VAR confirmed the foul, awarding a penalty. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the spot-kick, sealing the victory and eliminating Athletic from the competition. Manager Matarazzo praised his team’s performance, stating, “We had a strong game. The penalty was clear, and we’ll focus on the next match against Atlético.” Valverde acknowledged the difficulty of the win, noting, “We didn’t have many clear chances, but the penalty decided it.” Oyarzabal’s goal ensured Real Sociedad will face Atlético in the final, marking their second consecutive Copa del Rey final. The victory also highlighted the team’s resilience, as they overcame a tightly contested match to advance.#atltico_madrid #copa_del_rey #real_sociedad #athletic_bilbao #mikel_oyarzabal
Real Sociedad avanzó a la final de la Copa del Rey al vencer 1-0 a Athletic Club en el Reale Arena, repitiendo el resultado de la ida de las semifinales. El partido, marcado por una intensa tensión, se disputó ante un estadio repleto y terminó con el triunfo del conjunto de San Sebastián, que ahora se enfrentará al Atlético Madrid en la gran final del torneo, prevista para el 18 de abril en La Cartuja, Sevilla. El partido comenzó con el dominio de Real Sociedad, que aprovechó las primeras oportunidades para crear peligro. A los 12 minutos, Carlos Soler ejecutó un tiro libre desde la derecha que fue desviado al córner por el arquero visitante, Álex Padilla. En la segunda parte, el Athletic intentó reaccionar, pero sus defensas evitaron que se abriera el marcador. Un error en la salida del rival a los 15 minutos casi costó el primer tanto, pero los visitantes se recuperaron rápidamente. La ventaja del local se consolidó en el minuto 42 cuando Mikel Oyarzabal convirtió un penal tras una falta de Yangel Herrera en un córner. El árbitro, tras consultar el VAR, señaló el penal tras una acción en la que el defensor del Athletic fue derribado. Oyarzabal, desde los 12 pasos, selló el triunfo y el pase a la final. Este resultado le da a Real Sociedad la confianza necesaria para enfrentar al Atlético Madrid, que eliminó a Barcelona en la otra semifinal. El conjunto de Ernesto Valverde, que llegó a la instancia tras empatar con Rayo Vallecano, ahora se enfrentará a su rival del fútbol vasco. En la ida de las semifinales, Real Sociedad ya había vencido 1-0 en Bilbao, lo que le otorgó un buen arranque para el partido de vuelta. Con este triunfo, el club se prepara para su tercera final de la Copa del Rey, una hazaña que logró en 2020.#atltico_madrid #copa_del_rey #real_sociedad #athletic_club #la_cartuja
Saturday's La Liga Predictions and Previews: Barcelona vs. Villarreal, Real Oviedo vs. Atletico Madrid Four La Liga matches are set to take place on Saturday, featuring the league leaders Barcelona facing Villarreal at Camp Nou. Other fixtures include Rayo Vallecano hosting Athletic Bilbao, Mallorca welcoming Real Sociedad, and Atletico Madrid traveling to Real Oviedo. Sports Mole has provided predictions for each of these matches. Rayo Vallecano vs. Athletic Bilbao (Saturday, 1pm) Athletic Bilbao aim to extend their winning streak in La Liga as they visit Rayo Vallecano. The Basque side, currently eighth in the table, trails sixth-placed Celta Vigo by three points. Rayo Vallecano, ranked 15th, sit two points above the relegation zone. The prediction favors a 1-1 draw, with Rayo expected to secure a point despite Athletic’s strong form. Rayo’s recent home performance, including a 3-0 victory over Atletico, suggests they can challenge the visitors. Barcelona vs. Villarreal (Saturday, 3:15pm) Barcelona seek to extend their lead at the top of the table by defeating Villarreal. The Catalan giants, currently one point ahead of Real Madrid, face the Yellow Submarine, who are third in the standings. A 3-2 victory for Barcelona is anticipated, with their attacking quality expected to dominate. The match is expected to be high-scoring, though a draw remains a possibility. Barcelona’s ability to capitalize on chances in the final third could secure all three points. Mallorca vs. Real Sociedad (Saturday, 5:30pm) Real Sociedad aim to return to winning ways as they travel to Mallorca. The visitors, ranked 18th, are one point behind 17th-placed Elche, while Mallorca are 10th, five points behind sixth-placed Celta Vigo in the European qualification race.#barcelona #real_sociedad #athletic_bilbao #rayo_vallecano #villarreal