La Real’s Timely Victory Boosts European Hopes
Real Sociedad has injected a much-needed dose of confidence into their European qualification campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Leganés at Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian. This victory not only sees them climb to eighth place in the La Liga table but also eases the mounting pressure following a run of mixed results. Under the watchful eye of head coach Imanol Alguacil, the team’s resilience and tactical acumen were on full display, as they dominated the game against a Leganés side struggling to avoid relegation.
A Crucial Week Ahead
The win comes at a crucial juncture, as Real Sociedad faces a pivotal week that could define their season. Midweek, they will host Real Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, a fixture that holds significant importance for the club. Just a few days later, on March 2, they travel to Barcelona for a high-stakes La Liga encounter. These matches are not just about points on the table; they are a testament to the team’s ability to perform under pressure and secure a spot in the European competitions for the next season. The upcoming fixtures present a perfect opportunity for Alguacil to rekindle the form that made Real Sociedad one of the league’s most exciting teams earlier in the campaign.
Defensive Setback
Despite the positive result, there is a cloud on the horizon as defender Nayef Aguerd was forced off the pitch with an injury during the Leganés match. The Morocco international’s absence could be a significant blow, as he is a crucial part of Real Sociedad’s defensive structure. Further tests are scheduled in the coming days to assess the extent of his injury, but initial assessments suggest that Aguerd may also be in doubt for the Barcelona game. This setback adds a layer of complexity to Alguacil’s planning, especially as the team looks to maintain its competitive edge in both the Copa del Rey and La Liga.
Takefusa Kubo’s Absence and Return
Adding to the defensive concerns is the suspension of Takefusa Kubo, who received his fifth league booking of the season during the Leganés match. The 23-year-old Japanese winger has been a standout performer for La Real, contributing significantly to the team’s attacking prowess. Kubo’s tally of five league goals this season already matches his best performance from the 2022/23 season, where he scored nine goals. While his absence in the Barcelona clash is a definite loss, the silver lining is that his ban does not extend to Copa del Rey games. Therefore, Kubo will be available to face Real Madrid, providing a valuable boost to the team’s attacking options.
Ander Barrenetxea Stepping Up
Imanol Alguacil has several options to fill the void left by Kubo’s suspension, and one of the most likely candidates is Ander Barrenetxea. The versatile winger has shown flashes of brilliance this season and is capable of stepping into the starting XI. Barrenetxea’s creativity and energy on the flanks can help keep the momentum going, especially in a tough away game against Barcelona. His selection could also serve as a strategic move, allowing the team to maintain a balanced attack and defense.
Mikel Oyarzabal’s Potential Return
An additional ray of hope for Real Sociedad is the potential return of club captain Mikel Oyarzabal to the starting lineup. Oyarzabal, who began this weekend’s match on the bench, could be fully fit and ready to start both the Copa del Rey semi-final and the La Liga game against Barcelona. Oyarzabal’s experience and leadership on the field are invaluable, and his presence could be the catalyst the team needs to secure positive results. With these key players potentially available, Real Sociedad is well-positioned to face the challenges of the coming week and continue their push for European qualification.
