President Apperibay Speaks To Press

"Our challenge is the survival of the Real Sociedad". The sharp and straight to the point words from the Real Sociedad President today as he spoke to the press with Councilor Jesus Ruiz and the lawyer Jose Luis Martinez, an expert in bankruptcy proceedings. He began by stating three key messages he considers to be most important - economic survival, social cohesion and maximum support to staff and the technical team. He said the current economic situation with the club is "very critical". Looking on the brighter side of things he said it was one of the last opportunity's for unity and went on to praise the "tremendous efforts" made by the players in recent months, but asked them to fight for one more goal to advance to the First Division.

"Our challenge is the survival of the Real Sociedad, its economic and social regeneration," Aperribay said. He also announced a loss of 10 million for the year 2008-09 so "an urgent emergency plan" has been put into place. The club faces a massive challenge as it must pass a budget that will turn these losses into profits in order to keep with the agreement of creditors and avoid liquidation.

The press conference ended with questions from journalists and one of the key points to come out of it was Apperibay announcing no players will be sold in January and he will be looking to renew contracts for Castillo, Markel, De Cerio and Zubikarai.

Today final preparations were taking place for tomorrows friendly against SD Eibar. It will take place in the town of San Miguel and is designed to keep up the momentum and match sharpness ahead of the weekend game against Cordoba. Coach Lillo intends to play a different eleven players for each half and as such has called up 22 players -

Goalkeepers: Zubikarai, Iturrioz.

Defenders: Carlos Martinez, Gerardo, Labaka, Mikel González, Cadamuro, Ansotegi, Castillo, Dramé.

Midfielders: Estrada, Xabi Prieto, Rivas, Aranburu, Ros, Illarramendi, Mark, Zurutuza, Moha, Sergio.

Forwards: Necati, Agirretxe.

Squad To Return To Training On Monday

With the Real Sociedad squad currently enjoying their festive break it will be back to business on Monday as the squad returns to training in preparation for the 4th January game away to Cordoba. To keep the players match fit they will have a double-session on Tuesday followed by a friendly against local rivals SD Eibar on Wednesday (new years eve. there will be no rest either on new years day as a morning training session is also planned. The squad are no doubt looking to carry forward the good form they were in leading up to Christmas and take it into the new year as all focus will be on promotion to Liga BBVA.

One player who will be returning to training later than the rest of the squad is Chilean International goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. He will hook up with the squad on January 1st as Coach Lillo allowed him to return home to Chile to be with his family over the festive period and took into consideration travelling time.

In other news striker Iñigo Díaz de Cerio has spoken to Marca.com and has revealed new President Aperribay has contacted him and declared he would like to start discussions on a new contract as the players current one expires in June - "my first option is Real Sociedad, but the club is in the greatest crisis in its history and will have to be see what happens". He also revealed his recovery is going well and that he is spending almost the entire day working on the machines at the gym.

With the current problems at the club it would be a massive boost if Iñigo Díaz de Cerio signed a new contract as he is a Real Sociedad man through and through and to lose him for no fee would be a huge blow.

Real Sociedad Has A New President

it was announced over the weekend that Jokin Aperribay has replaced Inaki Badiola after recieving the majority vote during the first meeting by the new Board of Directors. News has been met with a mixed response as Badiola was very popular with the fans but Aperrinbay will remain for a maximum of two and a half years until new elections are held at the end of the bankruptsy process. The new President has already met with Coach Lillo and Loren. One can only hope Real Sociedad can make it through these tough times with the current economic problems that are happening and the fact they are in the 2nd division not helping matters.

Real Sociedad 1-0 Salamanca

Real Sociedad beat Salamanca 1-0 this afternoon thanks to a goal in the 2nd minute of injury time from central defender Ansotegi to sent the Anoeta into raptures and finish 2008 on a massive high!

Salamanca started the match the more attacking of the 2 teams and twice Bravo was forced into making good saves. It was clear from the opening exchanges Real Sociedad had a massive amount of respect for the visitors but as the first half went on the home side started to get a grip on the game and began to dominate. Shortly before halftime Salamanca were dealt a huge blow when Botelho was sent off for a second bookable offence.

At the start of the second half Coach Lillo looked to take advantage of the extra man and brought on Sergio to replace Rivas to add an extra spark to the attack. Jorge Alonso had a good free-kick effort for Salamanca but apart from that it was all Real Sociedad doing the attacking. Agirretxe, Labaka, Aranburu and on two occassions Necati Ates all went close to scoring but couldn't find the net. Just when it looked like it would end in a nil nil draw the ball was lofted hopefully into the box and Ansotegi was the hero as he rose to head into the net to sent the crowd into raptures. The relief on the players faces was obvious to see and the victory now lifts the club back up into the mix for promotion places.

Real Sociedad: Bravo, Gerardo (Carlos Martinez, 90 mins), Labaka, Ansotegi, Castillo, Rivas (Sergio, 46 mins), Bergara, Aranburu, Xabi Prieto, Estrada (Agirretxe, 69 mins), Necati.

Salamanca: Alberto; Castro, Carlos (Sito, 50 mins), Pelegrín, Botelho; Bustos, Jorge Alonso, Dañobeitia, Cohen (Luciano, 46 mins), Isaac (Toti, 82 mins); Miku.

Attendance - 17,132.

Real Sociedad vs Salamanca Preview

The squad completed the penultimate training session this morning in preperation for Saturdays match against top of the table Salamanca. The good news for fans is Mikel González and Sergio return to the squad from injury's and captain Aranburu has finished his suspension. This means there is only room for two youth players to make up the 18 man squad with Agirretxe and Zurutuza taking the places.

Yesterday Xabi Prieto spoke to the press and said the team was looking to put in another performance like they did last week against Albacete. Although it ended in defeat for Real Sociedad, he feels it was the best performance of the season and believes the team were unlucky not to win the match.

Squad for Salamanca game:-

- Goalkeepers: Bravo, Zubikarai.

- Defenders: Carlos Martínez, Gerardo, Labaka, Ansotegi, Mikel González, Castillo.

- Midfielders: Estrada, Xabi Prieto, Aranburu, Markel, Rivas, Sergio, Zurutuza, Moha.

- Strikers: Necati, Agirretxe.

Necati And Aranburu Speak To Press

Turkish striker Necati Ates spoke to the press today and announced - "I have the same confidence". He says he has full confidence in his game and isn't letting his lack of goals get to him. He even claimed he still believes he can score 15 goals before the campaign is over. In the last match against Albacete the striker had a few chances to break his duck but was thwarted with his efforts. He also said Albacete were lucky to win the match - "I couldn't believe it. It seemed that they had won a championship or something."

Midfield dynamo Aranburu also spoke to the press and said a win agains't table topping Salamanca is "very important if we want to cut the distance". Salamanca are currently 8 points ahead but would be cut to just 5 with a win. He went on to say he believes if the squad can stay clear of any more injuries then they are very capable of gaining promotion.

Albacete 2-1 Real Sociedad

Diego Costa snatched an 89th minute winner for Albacete in this evenings match to win 2-1 and inflict a painful defeat on Real Sociedad. Indeed the defeat was all the more painfull considering how well Real Sociedad had played, especially in the second half and at the very least deserved a draw. Albacete took the lead on 16 minutes when a cross from Jaime deceived Bravo in goal and hit the back of the net after Mainz looked like he would make contact. Real Sociedad responce was excellent and Necati Ates went close on two occasions and were unlucky to go into the interval behind.

Early in the second half Real Sociedad got a deserved equaliser. A clever turn inside the area from Xabi Prieto ended with him squaring the ball for Marcos to hit home and Prieto should be very happy to assist another goal after he did the same last week for Aranburu. For most of the second half possession was even and play raged from end to end. Near the end Necat Ates could have fired in the winner however afer being played through on goal however his blasted shot was saved well by Cabrero in goal from a narrow angle. Then came the sucker punch. The ball was played into the Real Sociedad danger area and Markel tried to clear with a header only for it to skim off his head and into the path of Diego Costa who slammed the ball past Bravo to steal all three points. The evening got even worse for the visitors when the goalscorer Marcos was dismissed for his second bookable offence. The men from San Sebastian's great run has come to an end.

Albacete:- Cabrero, Kike, Trotta, Mainz, Pena, Kitok, Xavi Jimenez (Mark Navas, 73 mins), Verza, Alberto (Diego Costa, 46 mins), Jaime; and Merino (Belencoso, 80 mins)

R. Sociedad:- Bravo; Gerardo, Ansotegi, Labaka, Castillo, Markel, Rivas, Xabi Prieto (Aguirretxe, 80 mins), Marcos, Moha (Estrada, 87 mins); Necati.

Albacete vs Real Sociedad Team News

The squad completed training this morning behind closed doors in final preparation for the away trip to Albacete tomorrow. The 2 hours was pent mainly focusing on tactical and strategic points. The eighteen man squad will have four places for promoted youth players - defender Esnaola, midfielders Illarramendi and Mutriku and finally striker Agirretxe. In particular Mutriku has been chosen as a replacement for the suspended Aranburu who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season last week. Carlos Martinez returns from his foot injury and although Sergio has returned to training he isn't ready to be included in the squad.

Squad to face Alicante:-

- Goalkeepers: Bravo, Zubikarai.

- Defenders: Carlos Martinez, Gerardo, Labaka, Esnaola, Ansotegi, Castillo.

- Midfielders: Estrada, Xabi Prieto, Rivas, Zurutuza, Markel, Illarramendi, Moha, Marcos.

- Forwards: Agirretxe, Necati.

Coach Lillo Wants 6 Points Before Xmas

Coach Lillo held his weekly press conference this morning after the penultimate Zubieta training session of the week. He admitted the squad was excited about the possibility if adding another three points against Albacete. Regards the squad for the match he is very happy Carlos Martinez has recovered from his injury and Xabi Prieto is ready to start from the beginning of the match. He said he believes in the 18 man squad and doesn't see the youth players as just fillers but rather players who can add an extra punch. In particular youth players Kitok, Jaime, Merino and Diego Costa.

Lillo also took the opportunity to defend the work done by Technical Director Loren after yesterdays comments from President Badiola (see below). "I work closely with him and i'm very proud to. He is very capable, knows what to do and puts the clubs interests above personal interests".

In other news a press-conference was held yesterday by Real Sociedad President Inaki Badiola where he called for the resignation of Mr. Ibargutxi, administrator for Real Sociedad. "It's hard to live with someone who is against us" said the president.
Also, after viewing pictures of some of the game between Malaga and Tenerife last June 15, Badiola said "we want to go to the end" on the issue of the alleged purchase of the game by the Malaga CF. He also raised issues he has had with Technical Director Loren. He revealed "recent signings in which he has overseen have not been as successful we thought." He also said he couldn't agree with Loren when it came to the issue of Mikel Alonso, who recently ended his contract with the club. He finished by saying Loren had participated in meetings againt the council - "If you're with others can not be with us." Time will tell if Loren is in his position for much longer.

Gorka Elustondo's Injury Latest

The squad don't normally train on a Monday however with morale high in the squad and a very important away match on Saturday to Albacete the squad are preparing earlier this week to keep the momentum going.

The process of recovery from injury is going well a happy Gorka Elustondo declared yesterday as he returned to training with the first team squad. He did reveal to the press though that its a slow process and won't be rushing back in a hurry as he doesn't want to aggrevate it and make it bad again.

Turkish Striker Necat Ates also spoke to the press and joked about referee's by saying "Do they not want me to score goals?". This was with reference to the goal that was disallowed on Saturday and the fact he has yet to score for Real Sociedad - "If the referee has seen the images, he will be sick". He has also advised he feels "very happy when the team wins and when we play in Anoeta".

Real Sociedad 1-0 Alicante

Real Sociedad remain unbeaten since October after a crucial win this afternoon against Alicante with a goal in the 64th minute from midfielder Mikel Aranburu. Spearheaded by a strikeforce of Necati and Agirretxe the home team started very strongly and had a series of dangerous corners cleared and a penalty appeal after ths ball appeared to strike a defenders hand but as the first half went on Real's attacks were becoming more timid despite dictating the play. The first half ended with a Necati shot that was saved by Unanue in the Alicante goal.

The second half started as the first ended with the home side continuing to probe for an opening. Agirretxe went close with a couple of efforts. In 58 minutes Real Sociedad made two changes with Marcos replacing Moha and Prieto replacing Estrada and it was Prieto on 64 minutes that set up Aranburu for the winning goal with a pinpoint cross that was duly headed in. Alicante not surprisingly went on the hunt for an equaliser and forced Bravo into two saves before Necati had a header ruled out for being offside although television pictures show the Turkish striker was clearly onside when the ball hit the back of the net. Real survived a late Alicante spell of pressure to earn three valuable points and climb up to 6th in the league.

Real Sociedad: Bravo, Gerardo, Labaka, Ansotegi, Castillo; Bergara, Aranburu, Estrada (Xabi Prieto, 58 mins), Moha (Marcos, 58 mins); Agirretxe (Rivas, 71 mins) and Necati.

Alicante: Unanue; Blanco, Castells, German, Rubiales; Ismael, Abel Buades, Azkoitia, Catalá (German, 62 mins), Miñano (Peragón, 75 mins) and Pedro.

Attendance - 14,174.

Real Sociedad vs Alicante Team News

The squad completed training this morning behind closed doors as final preperations for tomorrows game against Alicante were complete. As expected the 18 man squad will not include injured centre back Mikel Gonzalez so youth player Josu Esnaola has been called into the squad to cover with Ansotegi expected to partner Labaka in defence. Two other youth players included are Zurutuza and striker Agirretxe.

Squad for Alicante match:-

- Goalkeepers: Bravo, Zubikarai.

- Defenders: Carlos Martinez, Gerardo, Labaka, Esnaola, Ansotegi, Castillo.

- Midfielders: Xabi Prieto, Estrada, Aranburu, Rivas, Markel, Zurutuza, Marcos, Moha.

- Forwards: Necati, Agirretxe.

Before the match tomorrow the team will commemorate Aitor Zabaleta by holding a series of events before the match as it will be the tenth anniversary of his death on Monday. Aitor Zabaleta, who was 28, was chased by a group of right-wing Atletico fans and then stabbed in the chest shortly before the UEFA Cup third-round, second-leg encounter in Madrid, which Atletico won 4-1 after extra time. Zabaleta was rushed to hospital, but died of his wounds nine hours later.

The players will wear t-shirts bearing his name before the match and will be followed by a minutes silence for Zabaleta, Ignacio Uria, a businessman shot dead on Wednesday, and Mikel Laboa, a popular singer and songwriter from Basque Country who died on Monday.

Lillo - "Our Aim For Saturday Is To Win"

Cooach Lillo gave his weekly press conference this morning and revealed he wanted to only talk about the match on Saturday but revealed "I have many desires to know what has happened". This is with reference to the matter with Jesuli after the events of this week dominated the headlines but pointed out his one and only priority - "Our aim for Saturday is to win".

Mikel González is a doubt for the match and will undergo a fitness test this afternoon to see if he can play. Lillo revealed though if González was to miss the match he has full confidence in Ansotegi to replace him. He went on to say a victory is necessary if the club is to keep pace with the teams above them and if they were to fall more than seven points adrift of the promotion places it would be a worrying distance.

Spanish Federation Wants Prosecutors To Probe Match-fixing Claims

The latest developments on the match fixing story that i posted yesterday is the Spanish football federation today asked prosecutors to investigate reports that players from second-division club Tenerife were bribed to lose a match to allow Malaga to be promoted to the top flight.

Meanwhile Sports Minister Jaime Lissaveztky declined to comment Wednesday, saying it was best to let judicial authorities decide first. Lissaveztky said the government and the Spanish league are working on a new law to help combat fraud in football. "We're determined to fight together against anything related to suspected corruption and which mars sporting values," he said.

With the story currently gripping Spain it would be easy for the players to get distracted but full back Gerardo spoke to the press this morning and announced "we are thinking Alicante, Alicante, Alicante - nothing more".

On the injury front there was good news as Xabi Castillo returned to training after being forced off at half-time during the Celta match. He should be fit for the weekends match and told the press "the point gained against Celta Vigo will be a good one if we win against Alicante, the way we get the victory is secondary at the moment whether it be a penaly or in the last minute, i do not care."

Jesuli Denies Match-fixing Allegation

A story has been brought to my attention that has been gripping Spain over the last 2 days and i felt it my duty to report it here as it involves Real Sociedad.

In Monday's edition of 'El Mundo' newspaper it reported that former Tenerife midfielder Jesús 'Jesuli' Antonio Mora Nieto has admitted to Real Sociedad president, Iñaki Badiola, that he and the rest of the Tenerife players were each paid 6,000 euros to lose the final game of last season to ensure that their opponents, Málaga FC, secured promotion to the first division. Málaga won the game 2-1 with Tenerife's only goal coming in the final minute when Welington put through his own net. Numancia finished as champions with 77 points with Numancia and Sporting Gijón also going up with 72 points. Real Sociedad finished fourth with 68 points.

This allegation was later backed up with an audio recording released onto the internet, in which Jesuli can plainly be heard in the following exchange:
Badiola: "How much would it cost? I mean, in your case you were paid to lose this match? It's just to know, I don't have any experience on this, how much did it cost for us not to get promoted?"
Jesuli: "I tell you, honestly ... that I don't remember. But ... it really annoyed me to take that money."
Badiola: "€5,000, €7,000?"
Jesuli: "Yes, around that. If it wasn't €7,000 it was €6,000."

Yesterday Jesuli issued a statement via his legal representatives denying the claims and argues that, given that he was in Sevilla on the day in question recovering from a broken nose, it is "absurd" to claim that anyone should have paid him to influence the outcome of the game. He goes on to say that the telephone conversation between himself and Real Sociedad president quoted in the article, Iñaki Badiola, was taken out of context and had been recorded and published without his permission. Adding that he regards match-fixing as "inexcusable and wicked," the player's statement ends by saying that he is considering legal action against the journalist responsible.

Badiola has since came out and spoken to Radio Marca and is in no doubt that the premium payment was arranged by the Malaga club hierarchy, comprising the Sanz family who once had control over Real Madrid. "We have nothing against the Malaga club, nor the city," he said. "But we believe that the Sanz family, especially Fernando and Lorenzo Sanz, are habitual crooks and cheats, and they're not fit to lead the club in this way."We hope that justice will be served and this is what we call for." Also he alleges that the premium payment took place with the "knowledge" of the players involved and that "all Tenerife players" received it.

Fernando Sanz has came out and denied the allegations after being called a criminal. "If in twenty-four hours Jesuli does not retract what he said then Malaga will submit a complaint," he declared. "Malaga have nothing to do with this and we will not allow anyone to place our club and squad in doubt." He also had something to say about the Real Sociedad president - "Their president is going above and beyond what should be doing," he said." He created false expectations there, and the bankruptcy administrators recommended that he not lead the club because it's heading towards disappearance. "This is just a smokescreen," he added, confirming that he is speaking to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to express his "deepest concern about this gentleman's behaviour."

Tenerife have come out fighting and reacted angrily to whats happening. They stated their "absolute shock" at allegations that they "neither admit to nor tolerate."Club president Miguel Concepcion further added that if Real Sociedad had any concerns then a courtroom is the correct place to raise them."The confidence of our board in the squad is total," he went on.He also spoke out on Badiola's accusation against Tenerife captain Juanma Delgado, who was fingered as the alleged ringleader on the Tenerife end."I hope he has evidence for that, because if he doesn't then this will be taken very badly."

I will continue to follow this story closely as it unfolds and will update when any new information is released.

Xabi Prieto Expects To Climb Table Before Christmas

After being out of action for 2 months it was great news for Real Sociedad fans that Xabi Prieto got over half an hour of action under his belt in Saturdays game against Celta Vigo. Today he spoke to the press and said "i'm happy to be back and fell no ill effects" and also indicated he is ready to play a full 90 minutes. During the month of December Real Sociedad will play at home twice, firstly against second from bottom Alicante followed by an away trip to Albacete and then finishing Decembers schedule at home to Salamanca. Xabi feels its more than possible to climb the table before the end of the year - "If we have three positive results before Christmas, this will move us up. It will not be impossible to win the two at home then sneak something away".

Necati Ates told the press today "each day i feel better, i like to fight to the last moment". Necati hasn't found the back of the net yet for the club and knows their is responsibility but no-one at the club can doubt the effort and sacrifice he makes for the team. He went on to echo Prieto's comments - "the club has the ability to rise to the top of the league".

Only time will tell if Necati can end his goal drought but if he can come into some goalscoring form starting against Albacete this weekend, it might be the spark for more goals to come and could give the club a massive boost for its promotion ambitions.

Celta Vigo 0 - 0 Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo played out a goaless draw today at the Estadio Balaidos on a rain soaked pitch. Real Sociedad had the better of the first half chances with Carlos Martinez coming close for the visitors. In the second half last weeks goalscoring hero was replaced by Daniel Estrada and nearly scored as he was put through on goal but Notario in goal saved well at his feet. Dinei then nearly scored for the hosts with a header from a corner but it went past the post. After the hour mark the pace of the game stepped up as both teams looked to score and on 63 minutes Xabi Prieto was brought on for Marcos and immediately positioned himself just behind Necati up front. Soon after on 71 minutes coach Lillo threw on another striker as Agirretxe replaced Moha. Celta replied by also throwing on another striker and the game began to open up with first Necati almost snatching a winner then Rosada for Celta going close. In the end both teams had to settle for a draw and for Real Sociedad fans their were plenty signals that the teams form is continuing to improve and must go down as a point gained rather than two lost. Please see below for the highlights of the match.

CELTA: Notario, Edu Moya, Ruben, Pena, Fajardo, Rosada, Michu, Oscar Diaz, Trashorras (Dani Abalo, 73 mins), Ghilès (David, 81 mins) and Dinei.

REAL SOCIEDAD: Bravo, Carlos Martinez, Labaka, Mikel Gonzalez, Castillo (Estrada, 46 mins), Gerardo Rivas, Aranburu, Moha (Agirretxe, 71 mins), Marcos (Xabi Prieto, 63 mins) and Necati.

Attendance - 6,998.

Team News For Celta Match

Good news for Real Sociedad - Xabi Prieto returns! It was what fans were hoping for and coach Lillo talked about it yesterday but today it was announced he would definitely be travelling with the 18 man squad after 2 months out with a knee injury. He managed to come through another training session this morning behind closed doors and is a huge boost for the team. This means young midfielder Illarramendi who was in the squad for lasts weeks game against Huesca, will drop to the B team.

The squad for the match against Celta Vigo -

- Goalkeepers: Bravo, Zubikarai.

- Defenders: Carlos Martínez, Gerardo, Labaka, Ansotegi, Mikel González, Castillo.

- Midfielders: Estrada, Xabi Prieto, Markel, Aranburu, Rivas, Zurutuza, Moha, Marcos.

- Strikers: Necati, Agirretxe.

Coach Lillo talks About Prieto

"My aim is to bring him to Vigo" - One of the quotes made by Coach Lillo today as he made his weekly appearance before the media. Clearly this is a massive boost for the squad as one can assume if he comes through training tommorow without any glitches, he will travel with the squad to face Celta Vigo.

He also spoke of Celta Vigo, a team that lost their first 3 games of the season, but hasn't lost since. He said he doesn't believe the cup match will serve as any indication as to how the game on Saturday will go. He also spoke of Necati Ates, a player who has yet to score for Real Sociedad. He stressed the contribution of Necati, like that of Iñigo Díaz de Cerio, goes far beyond just scoring goals.

Mikel Labanka also spoke to the press and stated "we are going for the 3 points" against Celta Vigo. He added "the club cannot hope to climb the table adding point by point. Thats why against Celta Vigo we go for the three points". He also recognized that the return of Xabi Prieto to the group is good news for the team. "After so many weeks without being able to count on him, to see him recovering and training with the rest of his companions is good. While it has an impact on the form of the team, despite the heavy casualties it has suffered, we are just three points from the positions of promotion".

Claudio Bravo And Moha Speak To Press

Claudio Bravo has appeared in the press room of Zubieta after completing training today. He stated that although he was very happy with the weekend victory, he warned against complacency as the league is still very tight with many teams chasing the three promotion places. The Chilean international again kept a clean sheet against Huesca and Real Sociedad have the second best defensive record in the league, a statistic which reflects the excellent work of the defence.


With Real Sociedad due to play Celta Vigo on Saturday Moha was in a reflective mood as he spoke to the press. He played in the last meeting between the sides and was keen to point out their motivation would not be revenge for the cup elimination but rather to consolidate the teams position in the top half of the league. "The Cup left a bad taste in your mouth, they were better than us, and I would like to play a good game, but especially to bring us the three points home. The cup is already in the past, we have to concentrate on the league. "

Xabi Prieto Closer To Fitness

Xabi Prieto spoke to the press today and was in very high spirits after coming through a full training session unscathed. He did train last week but today was the first time he has trained with the squad since his injury. "I very much want to enjoy football, playing, running, to do the usual", although he has admitted that "I am still feeling something, but that's ok, a nuisance that will disappear. I finished very happy." He was asked if he would be ready for the Celta Vigo game - "I suppose it is too early, but we'll see how the week goes. Now i have to get fit and get rhythm."

Midfielder Aranburu also spoke to the press today and believes the team has "won a lot" with the victory over Huesca and looks at the game on Saturday against Celta Vigo as a great opportunity to extend the streak. He did however mention that Ceta Vigo themselves are on a great run of form and in his opinion they are the best opponent Real Sociedad have faced this season with reference to the 2-0 Copa Del Rey defeat to them in October. With both players sounding confident it can only be good for the club and proves how vital the victory over Huesca was.

Real Sociedad 1-0 Huesca

Real Sociedad moved within 3 points of the promotion places today with a 1-0 victory over Huesca which also seen the first victory at the Anoeta for 2 months. Real Sociedad had most of the ball in the first half but found it difficult to breach the Huesca defence. The first chance came in the 20th minute when Necati was brought down in the box but the referee deemed the challenge to be legal. Real Sociedad continued to press but the attacks lacked speed and penetration.

The 2nd half started the way the 1st ended with the home team probing for openings and Estrada nearly scored after latching onto a Necati cross but Edu closed him down well. The winning goal came in the 72nd minute and what a goal it was! Xabier Castillo ran onto the ball from 35 yards out and unleashed an unstoppable first-time shot into the net with his left foot to send the home support into raptures and surely put down a marker for goal of the season (see below). Aranburu nearly doubled the lead seconds later only to be denied by Edu in goal.

Necati Ates, who many fans are looking to as a natural replacement for the injured de Cerio recieved a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 81st minute. He dazzled the home support with some great pieces of individual play and it surely can't be long before he gets his first goal for the club.

Real Sociedad managed to hold on for all 3 points despite a late rally by Huesca and can now look forward to next weeks game against Celta Vigo with great optimism.

Real Sociedad: Bravo, Gerardo, Mikel Gonzalez, Labaka, Castillo, Markel, Aranburu, Moha (Agirretxe, 63 mins), Estrada (Rivas, 88 mins), Marcos, Necati (Zurutuza, 81 mins).

Huesca: Edu; Borrego, Dorado, Roberto, Ripa (Ramón, 46 mins); Sobregau, Jose (Rodri, 80 mins), Helguera, Edu Roldán, Jon Erice (Felipe Manoel, 75 mins); Nico Medina.

Attendance - 17,232.

Next match - 29/11/08 Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad

Click play to view Castillo' screamer!

Real Sociedad Team News

Today Real Sociedad completed a week of preparation for tomorrows match against Huesca at the Anoeta Stadium. Todays training session was carried out behind closed doors in light rain.

Fifteen players will be at coach Lillo's disposal including three youth players - Agirretxe, Zurutuza and Illarramendi. One player who hasn't made up the numbers is midfielder Sergio who picked up an injury in training yesterday. He went for an ultrasound this morning and it was revealed he has a broken fibrillar. The extent of the injury will be found out on Monday. This is the second first team player to pull out of the squad after the injury to Dramé on Thursday.

The squad for the match against Huesca -

- Goalkeepers: Bravo, Zubikarai.
- Defenders: Carlos Martínez, Gerardo, Labaka, Ansotegi, Mikel González, Castillo.
- Midfielders: Estrada, Rivas, Markel, Aranburu, Illarramendi, Zurutuza, Moha, Marcos.
- Forwards: Necati, Agirretxe.

The player will have the day off on Monday and return to training Tuesday.

Coach Lillo Wants 19 Points!

Coach Lillo met the media this morning before the penultimate weekly meeting with the players in which he declared "we have an obligation to add 19 points" and has reminded Huesca that the goal hasn't changed despite many setbacks. He went on to say "the demand historically makes us feel obligated!" He went to say that with all the off field problems that have been going on lately the club should be measured on the pitch and not the headlines. The off-field problems being the threat of bankrupsy currently hanging over the club. At the same time he went on to mention the "good vibes" currently within the players at training recently.

Regarding the meeting on Sunday, Lillo believes that the absence of speedy striker Ruben Castro will weaken Huesca although "it is a team that knows how to play" he commented. "What is clear is that if Real Sociedad wins, they will move above Huesca in the league and it will reap the possibility of two victories in succession, which is complex even for Zaragoza". "But winning two happens by winning the first" coach Lillo added.

Real Sociedad Injury Update

Yesterday afternoon Iñigo Diaz de Cerio was seen to by the medical staff at the club after suffering intense pain in his operated leg. It required further surgery and he will remain in the clinic for the next couple of days. This incidence does not alter the anticipated plan of recovery.

Boukary Dramé the defender on loan from FC Sochaux has suffered a “pull” in bottom region of left thigh during training this morning. The initial prognosis is the injury will settle down in the course of the next 48 hours but is now doubtful for the game against Huesca. Like Necati Ates, injury's have severely hampered his season so far.

Eñaut Zubikarai did not train either after an inflammation in the mouth casued by problems with a wisdom tooth. Its hoped by him taking anti-inflammatory treatment he can return to training in the next 24-48 hours.

In other news, The President of Real Sociedad, Inaki Badiola, has appeared before the media this afternoon to announce the renewal of the sponsorship agreement with Telefonica. The presentation was held in the press room of Anoeta and the Txuri Urdin leader was accompanied by two leaders of the company, Venancio Etxeberria and Ander Perez. This will be the fifth consecutive year the company has worked with the club.

Estrada and Necati Ates In Positive Mood

After having the day off yesterday from training the lads were back at the Zubieta training ground today to begin the build up to the weekends game against Huesca and Daniel Estrada and Necati Ates were talking to the media.

Estrada believes that it is time to recover the strength in Anoeta: "You cannot escape the points before the Huesca, it is time to win at home. The objective is ascend and for that we have to win, take continuity and thus move up".

Necati Ates has assured everyone in the press room of Zubieta he felt well during the 90 minutes against Tenerife. Although he has not scored for Real Sociedad he is aware of the responsibility he has, however he is not obssesed with it: "I do not mind that the team increase to the First Division without me scoring a goal. What is important is the team".

Mikel Alonso Leaves Real Sociedad

Today the club announced they have agreed a financial deal with midfielder Mikel Alonso to end the players 2 year contract. The player spent last season on loan to English Premier side Bolton Wanderers and was not registered by Real Sociedad at the start of the season for the 2008/09 campaign. During the summer of this year he went on trial to Olympiakos however he returned to the club after failing to win a permanent move. Alonso leaves having played 104 times for the club and scoring 2 goals. All the best Mikel.

Tenerife 1 - 1 Real Sociedad

The victory Real Sociedad were looking for to climb the table never materialised this afternoon in the Heliodoro Stage Rodriguez Lopez as both teams scored in the last 4 minutes of the game to draw 1-1. The Real Sociedad players paid tribute to Iñigo Diaz de Cerio before the game by carrying t-shirts of support for their injured team-mate.

Tenerife looked the more dangerous in the first half with Real Sociedad looking to hit them on the counter-attack. Necti Ates and Aranburu combined well at times and Moha was lively but Tenerife pressured the Real Sociedad rearguard time after time. In the second half it was Tenerife again who looked more likely to score and Bravo pulled off a fantastic save before Rivas made a goal line clearance. Coach Lilo made two changes with on loan Marcos replacing Moha (66 mins) and Agirretxe repacing Sergio in the hope they could provide a new attacking dimention. Kome and Nino went close again for Tenerife and with the game heading for a draw, Real Sociedad hearts were broken when the former Espanyol full back Marc Beltrán gave the hosts the lead in the 86th minute after dribbling past two defenders to leave Bravo in goal helpless. When it seemed Tenerife would be getting all three points, Real Sociedad pulled off a miracle when in the 3rd minute of injury time, a corner was headed in by central defender Labaka much to the relief of the travelling support. With that the referee blew for full-time and under the circumstances it will have to be looked on as a point gained rather than two lost.


CD Tenerife: Sergio Aragonese; Bertrán, Manolo Martinez, Moon, Héctor; Ricardo, Oscar Perez (Ayoze, min. 62), Juanlu, Kome (Angel, 71 mins); Alfaro (Saizar, 87 mins), Boy

Real Sociedad: Bravo; Gerardo, Mikel González, Labaka, Castillo, Markel, Rivas, Aranburu, Sergio (Agirretxe, 74 mins), Moha (Marcos, 66 mins); Necati.

Juan Manuel Lillo Issues Rally Cry!

Coach Lillo was the latest member of the Real Sociedad camp to face the media today as the build up to Sunday's clash with Tenerife continues. With the club having one of its hardest in modern times with the injury to Díaz de Cerio, the clubs court appearances and the 1,000 Euros fine the club received after a fan hit coach Lillo on the head with a bottle at the end of the Eibar game, people would be forgiven for thinking the Tenerife game was the furthest thing from the players minds, however as Lillo explained, this couldn't be further from reality. He said if the club wanted to be spoken about in a football context rather than in a negative light, the best way is to win! He went on to say Real Sociedad need to be pushing the top of the league and a victory would see them go above Tenerife. Also, Lillo recognizes that there is a double motive to fight for the three points. "If there is a party that want to win, its us", in a clear reference to the team wanting to win and dedicate the victory to stricken star Díaz De Cerio.

In other news goalkeeper Claudio Bravo as been called up by Chile for the friendly against Spain on Wednesday in Villareal. He will fly to Villareal straight from Tenerife after the game on Sunday to meet up with his International colleagues.

Tenerife Vs Real Sociedad Preview

Looking ahead to the weekend fixture against Tenerife its becoming clear the players are fired up to put in a performance despite being without their injured goalscorer Iñigo Diaz de Cerio. Indeed both central defenders Mikel Labaka and Mikel González spoke today to the press after a behind closed doors training session. Labaka stressed it was important not to dwell on whats happened before but to focus on the league games ahead. González spoke in a similar fashion stating "To rise would not be a miracle, its the objective".

It certainly seems like the players are motivated to succeed but only time will tell if Iñigo Diaz de Cerio's absense will seriously affect the club's expected promotion push. A victory at the weekend would be the lift the club desperately needs after a diffcult week.

Diaz De Cerio Injury Update

Iñigo Diaz de Cerio was released from hospital yesterday after his nasty leg break at the weekend and immediately gave a press conference to talk of his injury. He seemed in high spirits as he thanked supporters for the messages of support he has received and due to the vast amount he received, he wasn't able to read all of them.
He optimistcally revealed that although he will be out of action for a long time, he hasn't set any dates for his recovery but has no doubt he will return just as strong as he was. He went on to reveal he could recall the moment of the injury and indeed did not feel any pain or any sound of the leg breaking but when he looked at his leg he realised he "was going to be a long while without playing". In a relaxed tone he finished the press conference by declaring he wants the team to score a victory over Tenerife in the next match and dedicate the victory to him. The video below is from the press conference and although my non Spanish speaking readers won't understand it the short clip shows the player is in good spirits which is great to see.

Real Sociedad 0 - 0 Eibar

Round 11 of matches took place at the weekend and Real Sociedad were at home to local rivals Eibar. Most people were expecting a home victory however the hosts were frustrated by the visitors dogged defending and ultimately had to accept 1 point instead of 3 to see them move up to 10th in the league.

The disappointment was overshadowed however by the news that star striker Iñigo Díaz de Cerio who has scored 4 goals so far this season, broke his leg during the match in the 60th minute. This is a massive blow for the clubs promotion ambition and with a lack of strikers already at the club, it means even more responsibility on the shoulders of Turkish loan signing Necati Ates who is close to match fitness. In the wake of the news about Iñigo Díaz de Cerio's injury Ates announced to the press "I am prepared". He went on to say that although he felt responsibility before, he is conscious now their is now more responsiblity to score the goals.

With Iñigo Díaz de Cerio's contract up next summer the Real Sociedad board have announced that they feel he is an indispensable player for Real Sociedad due to his human and soccer values and have assured fans of the club they have offered him a new contract to keep him beyond next summer.


Next match - Tenerife Vs Real Sociedad - 16/11/08.

Welcome To Real Sociedad News

Hi there and welcome to Real Sociedad News. The creation of this has been born out of the sheer frustration that as a fan of Real Sociedad its currently near impossible to find anything on the web in English on my beloved team. On this blog i will endeavour to bring all the latest news and results and i hope you can get involved and post your comments.

Although i'm Scottish i have always followed the club's fortunes from a distance and have been to see them on two occasions and will hopefully make it three next year. It all started when i was taken to my first ever football match. The game was Dundee United Vs Real Sociedad in a pre-season friendly. The enormity of the occasion stuck and my love for the two aforementioned teams grew. On this blog i will endeavour to bring all the latest news and results and i hope you can get involved and post your comments.