Real Sociedad were defeated 0-1 by Athletic Club in the Euskal Herriko Txapela final at the Reale Arena. The only goal of the match came in the 58th minute, a header from Maroan Sannadi following a free-kick delivered by Robert Navarro.

This result comes during an inconsistent period for the Basque side, who currently sit eighth in La Liga with 10 points from seven games. Their recent form reads two wins, one draw, and two losses from their last five league outings.

Individual performances and tactics

With eleven players absent due to injury and international duty, the manager was forced into significant rotation. One surprise in the starting lineup was Rupérez, who played because the signing that had demoted him to the B team felt discomfort. The defender, operating almost as a centre-back in a back five, struggled defensively, particularly when marking Johaneko, though he improved after the break before being substituted in the 84th minute.

In goal, Álex Remiro made a good low save with his foot to deny Maroan, although there was also a miscommunication with Gorrotxategi when playing out. Gorrotxategi himself was more erratic than usual, while Turrientes, playing with freedom beside him, was inaccurate and made several errors before coming off in the 71st minute.

On a positive note, Aihen Muñoz, who had accumulated only 39 league minutes this season, was solid on his return to the starting eleven. Beitia was correct and serious in his duties, and Pacheco was attentive in his first start since a pre-season friendly.

Substitutions and context

The team made six changes during the match. At half-time, Marrero replaced Remiro in goal. In the 58th minute, coinciding with the opposition goal, Sergio Gómez, Dani Díaz and Ander Barrenetxea came on for Aihen, Marín and Zakharyan respectively. Later, Soler and Ibai Aguirre took the places of Turrientes and Gorrotxategi.

"Good save with the foot low to Maroan," Remiro said of his stop. Meanwhile, Unai Valverde, a starter who played 45 minutes, simply stated that he "does not want to give more clues Matarazzo" about the tactical decisions.

The defeat in this Basque derby highlights the squad's depth issues during a difficult start to the campaign. Looking ahead to the resumption of La Liga, Real Sociedad host seventh-placed Deportivo La Coruna on October 11th.

The report in full is at Mundo Deportivo