Las Palmas 0-1 Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad picked up all three points this evening against Las Palmas after a penalty was converted by Sebastian Abreu in a first half which also seen midfielder Markel sent off.

The first 15 minutes passed with no real efforts on goal although play raged from end to end until Abreu was brought down in the area from a bad tackle as he looked to control the ball. He didn't mess about with the penalty and rifled it home to get off the mark for his new club. Las Palmas reacted by attacking with more purpose and Bravo in goal did well to stop a Pablo Sanchez effort. On 35 minutes the game changed after Markel was shown a second yellow card after a clumsy foul. Real could have went 2-0 straight away but an Aranburu effort grazed the post.

The second half was all about Las Palmas and their inability to get the equalising goal. For most of the second half they laid seige on the Real Sociedad goal but ultimately the home support were disappointed. Real always looked dangerous on the break and Mikel Aranburu went close with a header but it was the defence that take all the glory this time as they held firm and never gave the hosts a clear effort on goal. Relief was etched on the Real Sociedad's players at the final whistle and for one night at least we can enjoy seeing the blue and whites 3rd in the league. Bring on Real Zaragoza next week!

Las Palmas: Santamaría, David Garcia, rusty, Lopez Ramos, Dani López, Darin (Amaral 67 mins), German Nauzet, Jorge, Pablo Sanchez (Gerardo, 63 mins), Sergio Suarez (Saul 55 mins) Márquez.

Real Sociedad: Bravo, Gerardo, Ansotegi, Labaka, Castillo (Carlos Martinez, 87 mins), Markel, Rivas, Aranburu, Xabi Prieto, Agirretxe (Mikel González, 62 mins) and Abreu.

Labaka and Abreu Speak To Press

Mikel Labaka spoke to the press today and reflected on what was a bit of a let off in terms of results at the weekend after the disappointing draw against Elche. Real Zaragoza lost at home to Rayo Vallecano and Salamanca could only draw against Hercules so Real Sociedad are still within touching distance of the top three. "Everyone is winning, both away and at home," said Labaka in the press room at the end of the first training session of the week.

Abreu spoke of his disappointment at not scoring with his header but praised the opposition goalkeeper for the save he made. He also spoke of his happiness at the reception he received from the fans as he made his first appearance - "I am very grateful. To come and have this show of affection gives me great pride."

Hopefully Abreu can start the game away to Las Palmas at the weekend and help fire Real Sociedad to victory as after that a massive home game against promotion rivals Real Zaragoza follows.

Real Sociedad 0-0 Elche

Real Sociedad could only manage a goalless draw this evening at home to Elche as the the Elche goalkeeper pulled off some fantastic saves, especially in the second half. Agirretxe missed a glorious chance to score when he missed a first half penalty.

The first half was dominated by Real Sociedad and Elche only threatened on the counter attack with Bravo rarely threatened. The best chance came when Imanol Agirretxe was brough down in the box and a penalty was awarded. He dusted himself down to take it himself but blazed the shot over the bar. Marcos also had a chance to score but Willy saved his effort in style.

The second half continued in the same vain and on 56 mins Coach Lillo threw on Necati for Rivas and shortly after Real nearly scored from two corners. Firstly a powerful header from Labanka was saved by Willy then Martinez went close when he probably should have scored. On 68 minutes the home fans were on their feet to welcome the debut of Sebastian Abreu as he replaced Agirretxe and Abreu came close to finding the winner when he powered a header on goal only to see Willy save it fantastically. In the end a frustrating draw but Elche proved they are no pushovers and have been on a good run of form themselves so a point isn't the worst result in the world.

Real Sociedad: Bravo, Carlos Martínez, Labaka, Mikel González Castillo, Rivas (Necati, 56 mins), Markel, Aranburu, Xabi Prieto, Agirretxe (Abreu, 68 mins) and Marcos (Moha, 82 mins).

Elche: Willy, Zubiaurre, Samuel Fernando Child Acciari, Saul (Rubén Pérez, 73 mins), David Fuster, Miguel (Bolado, 63 mins), Usero Santos (Cobo, 83 mins) and Rubio.

Real Sociedad vs Elche Team News

The big team news ahead of Saturdays match at home against Elche is striker Sebastian Abreu is included in the eighteen man squad along with Markel who returns from suspension. Defenders Gerardo and midfielder Sergio miss out through suspension after they both picked up their 5th yellow cards of the season last week.

Squad for Elche match -

- Goalkeepers: Bravo, Zubikarai.

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

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

- Forwards: Necati, Agirretxe, Abreu.

Coach Lillo spoke to the press yesterday and said he was very disappointed for midfielder Elustundo after he had a relapse in his ankle injury and will face more time on the sidelines. Elustundo had been back training with the squad when it happened. He also spoke of how much more confident the team looked with the ball after hitting a bit of form and stressed how important it was to keep it going.

Sebastián Abreu Is Presented To The Fans

Sebastian Abreu was greeted by over 300 fans yesterday as he was presented to them after signing a 6 month deal with the option of a further year after that. He spoke to the press and stated the reasons behind signing for 'txuri urdin' and said he was signing for the 8th most important club in Spain and the opportunity to team up with Coach Lillo was a big factor. He made it clear his target was to make sure the club gained promotion to the first division - the place it deserves to be. He was asked if he can be the hero of Real's rise to the first division - "The heroes are on television. I am a worker who comes to work more on the long-awaited dream of all the people of Real Sociedad and that from today is mine, first to climb the table. This is the centenary year and it would be fantastic to give promotion to the club."



He trained yesterday on his own but today met up and trained with his new team-mates. He had watched the victory over Levante on Saturday and admitted he had been surprised by some players - "I saw a very compact, highly concentrated team, with the strength necessary and with players who played very well and I am surprised, because although Juanma told me things i never had full knowledge of them." Abreu won't be able to wear his favourite number 13 shirt but will instead wear number 18 - "I hope the club sold many shirts with 18 on them and this number will be remembered for many happy memories."

The level of expectation is huge after this capture and the hopes and dreams of promotion may rest on his shoulders but he gives the impression he is very focused on what he has to do - score goals. If he does get the goals to fire Real Sociedad to the Liga BBVA then the fans might have a new hero to worship.

Levante 0-2 Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad produced a highly polished performance to defeat ten man Levante two goals to nil with goals in either half from on form striker Imanol Agirretxe and Xabi Prieto.

The match started much like last weeks game with Real Sociedad in complete control from the whistle. After ten minutes Agirretxe almost gave the visitors the lead with a header but the effort was cleared off the goal-line. After that a Gerardo cross was almost diverted on goal by Ansotegi. Justice was done on 19 minutes when Marcos put in a fantastic cross from the byeline and Agirretxe came in at the near post to finish clinically. This made it three goals in three games and the in form striker is impressing the fans as he looks sharper with every game he plays. After taking the lead the fear was that Real Sociedad would try to defend the lead like they have done unsuccessfully over the last few weeks but this time was different. Real continued on the front foot and because of this they restricted Levante to long shots. Geijo went close with a long range effort that grazed the post. Things got worse for Levante when Xisco Nadal was shown a red card on 43 minutes after picking up his second booking.

Early in the second half the game was effectively killed off as a swift counter attack on 49 minutes seen Marcos feed Xabi Prieto for him to slot the ball past Mora with ease. The game played out with few chances for either side and the visitors could have went three nil up late on when Necati missed a good chance.

All in all a very pleasing result and hopefully this can give the team the confidence to kick on and win the next game at home to Elche.

Teams -

Levante: Mora, Cerra (Miller, 76 mins), Tena, Ballesteros, Angel, Xisco Nadal, Iborra, Pallardó, Jorge Pina (Gorka Larrea, 58 mins), Ruben (Del Moral, 78 mins) and Geijo.

Real Sociedad: Claudio Bravo, Gerardo, Ansotegi, Labaka, Castillo, Diego Rivas, Aranburu, Moha (Necati, 78 mins), Xabi Prieto, Marcos (Estrada, 87 mins) and Agirretxe (Sergio, 65 mins).

Sebastián Abreu Arrives In Spain

Uruguyan striker Sebastián Abreu arrived in Spain this morning on a flight from Montevideo with his representative and will undergo a medical at the club tomorrow morning before being presented at a press conference in the afternoon. Despite looking really tired he mingled with fans and was happy to sign autographs and pose for cameras. It was already well known he would be signing for the club to boost Coach Lillos striking options and last week River Plate removed the player from the official website. It is reported he will be staying in a hotel tonight and following his future team-mate's fortunes on television this evening.

Levante vs Real Sociedad Preview

The first team squad trained this morning in preparation for tommorow's game against Levante and the only change from last weeks squad is defender Boukary Dramé replacing the suspended Markel. It was though midfielder Gorka Elustundo might make the squad after being out injured but the game has come slightly too soon for him.

Squad to play Levante -

- Goalkeepers: Bravo, Zubikarai.

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

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

- Forwards: Necati, Agirretxe.

Coach Lillo met the press yesterday in the build up to the game and described the players this week in training - "We look phenomenal". After missing out on four points in the last two games he was expecting to have to talk tough to the players but hasn't found it neccessary. He went on to describe the Levante squad as being "highly qualified, compact and well-armed."

If Real Sociedad expect to be in the top three at the end of the season it important they start turning draws into wins and learning to kill off teams when in winning positions and tommorow would be the perfect time to start.

Darko Kovacevic May Have To Retire

It is with great sadness that i have to report Real Sociedad legend Darko Kovacevic may have to retire from the game after being diagnosed with a heart problem that is likely to require surgery. The big Serb has flown to Spain for tests and could face an operation this week. Reports are suggesting doctors have discovered a narrowing of the arteries that will require angioplasty. I'm sure football fans thoughts will be with him during this difficult time. I have been a long time admirer of his striking talents and even had the pleasure to have met him when i visited San Sebastian while he was at his second spell at the club. He is no doubt remembered by Real Sociedad most fondly for the lethal partnership he formed with Turkish striker Nihat Kahveci in the 2002/03 season when the club narrowly missed out on winning La Liga coming second.

Check the video below of some fantastic memories of his time at the club!

Real Sociedad 1-1 Rayo Vallecano

Real Sociedad had the heartbreak of missing out on a victory in the last minute for the second week in a row after Markel conceded a last minute penalty. Imanol Aggiretxe had given the hosts a first half lead and it looked to be enough to win but the game ended in disappointment again for Real Sociedad.

The game started in familiar fashion with the hosts taking a grip of the game straight from the whistle. On 17 minutes Anoeta was sent into raptures as Marcos looked set to score but a clearance from the Vallecano defender landed straight at Imanol Aggiretxe who finsished well. Not long after it could have been two as Prieto had a powerful effort well saved by the keeper. Rayo threatened to equalise just before half-time but Bravo was commanding at the back.

The second half had a different feel to it and it was Rayo Vallecano who had the better of the play as they sensed the home team again lacked the killer isntinct to put the game to bed. Coach Lillo attempted to freshen things by making three changes - on 60 minutes Moha replaced Sergioa and Necati Ates replaced Marcos but the away team stifled any attacks well. With the game moving into the final minute their was huge controversy as Diamé was very lucky to escape a red card having already been booked and straight after that Markel handled in the area and gifted the away side a penalty that Aganzo tucked away clinically. Markel was shown a red card to rub salt in the wounds. Another frustrating day for Real Sociedad fans who will now be praying a deal for a striker can be done before the next game against Levante.

Real Sociedad: Bravo, Gerardo, Ansotegi, Mikel González Castillo, Markel, Sergio (Moha, 60 mins), Aranburu, Xabi Prieto, Agirretxe (Estrada, 71 mins) and Marcos (Necati, 60 mins).

Rayo Vallecano: Cobeño; Coke, Salva, Tena, Collantes (Aganzo, 65 mins); Jofre, Diamé, Míchel (Manolo, 82 mins), Albiol; Pachón y Piti (Sousa, 46 mins).

Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano Team News

The first team squad completed training this morning ahead of tommorows big game against Rayo Vallecano. Coach Lillo has the luxury of naming the same 18 players that travelled to Cordoba last week. It was widely reported Uruguyan striker Sebastian Abreu would sign in time to join up with the squad but there has been no news yet confirming it.

Squad for tomorrows game -

- Goalkeepers: Bravo, Zubikarai.

- Defenders: Carlos Martinez, Gerardo, Labaka, Ansotegi, Mikel Gonzalez Castillo.

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

- Forwards: Necati, Agirretxe.

Lillo Confirms Interest In Sebastián Abreu

Coach Lillo gave his weekly press conference this morning and confirmed press reports that he was interested in signing Uruguayan International striker Sebastián Abreu, a player he knows well from when he coached in Mexico. "El Loco" (The mad man) is a prolific goalscorer and is currently playing for River Plate in Argentina. He has played for numerous clubs in his career including an unsuccessful stint at Deprtivo La Coruna in the 90's where he was loaned out alot. Lillo confirmed the Uruguayan would cover the needs of the squad and praised his qualities but stressed he didn't want to talk in detail for fear of complicating the negotiations. Reports have suggested the 32 year old will fly to San Sebastian on Friday to complete a medical and will sign a contract until June 2009 with the option of a year more. He would be joining in good form having scored 12 goals for River Plate this season.

With regards to the weekends game against Rayo Vallecano at Anoeta he said they are a team of very high quality and expects a very difficult game. He singled out the midfield as being the strongest area of the team and in particular the creativity they have.
Below is a video of Abreu in action for River Plate recently-

Agirretxe Happy With Confidence Shown In Him

Imanol Agirretxe has admitted he is "very pleased" with the recent confidence shown in him by Coach Lillo. Agirretxe hasn't had the best of times and nearly 4 years after he made his debut for the first team, its only now that he is getting more action after constantly being overlooked by previous managers. When he joined the club he found himself battling for a striker berth with Nihat and Kovacevic but after that he found himself watching from the sidelines. Indeed under Coleman's reign last season he only made two appearances in the first team. This season started in the same vain as Coach Lillo's preffered front two was Iñigo Díaz de Cerio and Necati Ates but the bad injury to de Cerio has meant chances in the first team has been more frequent especially since Necati has failed to score the goals expected of him. He now has two goals for the season with the goals coming against Castellón and Cordoba and with Real Sociedad desperate for a goalscoring striker and promotion, four years after his debut there has never been a better time for him to cement a place in the first eleven and I for one hope he does. Another goal in the weekends game against Rayo Vallecano would be the perfect tonic.

Cordoba 2-2 Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad suffered the heartbreak of losing an injury time goal in this afternoons match as the game ended 2-2 when it looked like a vital 3 points were going to be gained. Agirretxe's goal in the 67th minute looked to have won it but Pierini equilased for the hosts in the 94th minute.

Real Sociedad started the stronger and took a deserved lead on 20 minutes when winger Marcos picked up the ball out on the right before cutting inside and unleashing a great shot past Mario in the Cordoba goal. After the goal Real Sociedad began to lose some momentum and Cordoba came back into the game. On 30 mins Arteaga was set up by Yordi to square the game.

In the second half Real found their momentum again and dominated but couldn't get past a determined defence. Cordoba could have taken the lead when Yordi was played through and rounded Bravo but Ansotegi got back brilliantly to block the effort and save a certain goal. The visitors took the lead on 66 minutes when Agirretxe, who replaced Necati ten minutes earlier, finished a brilliant move that involved Marcos and Aranburu. After taking the lead again Real Sociedad decided to sit on their lead and defended bravely and just when it looked like being a valuable 3 points gained Pierini rose after a cross came in to bullet home a header to send the home fans into raptures.

Teams -

Cordoba, Mario (Cristian Alvarez, 86 mins), Pierini, Gaspar, Ruben; Guzman Ito Endika (Asen, 75 mins), Arteaga (Jose Vega, 48 mins), Javi Flores; Yordi.

Real Sociedad: Bravo, Carlos Martinez, Ansotegi, Labaka, Castillo, Markel, Diego Rivas, Aranburu, Xabi Prieto (Estrada, 91 mins), Marcos (Sergio, 88 mins), Necati (Agirretxe, 56 mins).

Cordoba vs Real Sociedad Team News

The first team squad completed training this morning and the good news was that Necati Ates will be fit to face Cordoba and should lead the line. Other good news is Marcos is availble to play after serving his one match suspension.

Squad for Cordoba match -

- Goalkeepers: Bravo, Zubikarai.

- Defenders: Carlos Martinez, Gerardo, Labaka, Ansotegi, Mikel Gonzalez, Castillo.

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

- Forwards: Necati, Agirretxe.

Meanwhile Coach Lillo has revealed he will be bringing in a striker during the January transfer window and already knows who he wants - "We know who could come, but we have not negotiated with anybody, because we do not know in what conditions we can negotiate".

Real Sociedad 1-0 SD Eibar - Friendly

Real Sociedad defeated local rivals SD Eibar 1-0 in yesterdays friendly match in San Miguel thanks to a 62nd minute goal from young striker Imanol Agirretxe. As predicted before the match Coach Lillo played two different teams in each half and Lillo felt it was a very worthwhile excercise after the match.

The first half only served to remind fans just how lacklustre the forwardline has been lately with Necati Ates guilty of missing clear chances to score. In the 4 months he has been at the club he has yet to show the fans any glimpses of the goalscoring reputation he holds in his native Turkey and with it looking unlikely any signings will be made to bolster the frontline given the current economic crisis at the club, Real Sociedad desperately need him to start being more rutheless in front of goal.

The second half continues with a fresh line-up and Agirretxe replacing Necati up front and it was the youngster who scored the winner in the 62nd minute with a cool finish and will be a massive confidence boost for him. The match played out with Eibar looking for ways back into the match but Real Sociedad always looked the more likely to score. All in all a very worthwhile excercise before Sundays important away match against Cordoba.

Real Sociedad: Iturrioz, Gerardo, Ansotegi, Mikel González, Drama, Illarramendi, Sergio, Zurutuza Marcos, Estrada and Necati. In the second half: Zubikarai, Carlos Martínez, Labaka, Cadamuro, Castillo, Rivas, Aranburu, Ros, Prieto, Agirretxe and Moha.

SD Eibar: Asier, Añibarro, Raúl, Alaña, Yagüe, Txiki, Sutil, Lombraña, Cases, Carlos Rubén y Markel. SD Eibar: Asier, Añibarro Raul, Alan, Yagüe, Txiki, Sutil, Lombraña, Cases, and Carlos Rubén Markel. They also played Urzelai, Codina, Romero, Biel Medina, and Arkaitz Larrazabal.