The Real Sociedad Gazette
Player ratings20 Aug 2029
Arsen Zakharyan runs at them all day
Successful dribbles: 27. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Squad20 Aug 2029
A one-man rearguard from Álex Remiro
There were 6 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.
Squad20 Aug 2029
Tempers go at Real Sociedad
Igor Zubeldia was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Market20 Aug 2029
As if he never left: David Méndez returns
Some transfers need a press campaign. This one needed a shirt with the old number on it. David Méndez is a Real Sociedad player again, and the town has its story of the summer.
Market20 Aug 2029
Aimar Delgado comes home
The shirt still fits. Aimar Delgado is back at Real Sociedad, and half the ground remembers him in these colours already. Some signings need selling to the town; this one sold itself.
Market20 Aug 2029
Nil Ruiz is a Real Sociedad player again
He left as a boy and has come back still knowing where the away end is. Most signings have to be explained to a town; this one needed a photograph and nothing else.
Market20 Aug 2029
Ricardo Diez comes home
The shirt still fits. Ricardo Diez is back at Real Sociedad, and half the ground remembers him in these colours already. Some signings need selling to the town; this one sold itself.
Squad20 Aug 2029
No hiding place for Beñat Turrientes
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Beñat Turrientes, and the manager let it.
Match18 Aug 2029
Álex Marchal sends Real Sociedad past Elche
It finished 2‑1, and it was Álex Marchal’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Real Sociedad.
In brief
- Player ratings Álex Marchal in the eights
- Boardroom Real Sociedad board go back on their word
- Loan watch Sydney Osazuwa wants to come home