Castellón 0-3 Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad made it four consecutive wins with a 3-0 demolition of Castellón and confirmed their status as genuine promotion candidates. Real showed from start to finish they were the dominant team and only seven minutes were on the clock when they took the lead. Carlos Martinez set up Xabi Prieto after a brilliant pass from Sergio and Prieto swept the ball home with an easy finish. Prieto almost made it 2-0 shortly after but his effort hit the side netting. Real Sociedad were now looking more and more dangerous but Zubikarai had his reflexes tested before Marcos went close. For the last 15 minutes of the first half Real were happy to keep the ball as they probed for openings.

The second half started as the first had finished with Real looking comfortable on the ball and it was clear a second goal was needed to kill off the hosts. On 63 minutes Carlos Sanchez was picking the ball out of his net again as full back Xabi Castillo ventured forward and crossed for Imanol Agirretxe to head home. Real only needed to wait six minutes to add a third and make the win emphatic as the lively Marcos stole the ball off the defender and beat the keeper clinically. Real Sociedad continued to look lively until the 90th minute as Lillo pushed on his team from the touchline. At full time the players celebrated a convincing victory and made a very decent Castellón side look very average in their own back yard.

Real Sociedad will welcome Gimnàstic to the Anoeta next Saturday as they will look to make it five victories in a row and with Bravo and Abreu returning for that game I certainly wouldn't bet against them doing it with the form they are in. Its hard to believe it was only a few weeks ago i was almost writing Lillo and his troops off but they have turned it around - and how!

Castellon: Carlos Sanchez, Rafita, Dealbert, Mora, Baigorri, López Garai, Mario Rosas, Arana, Omar (Salas, 84 mins), Perico (Nsue, 66 mins), and Ulloa.

Real Sociedad: Zubikarai, Carlos Martinez, Ansotegi, Mikel González, Castillo, Rivas, Aranburu, Marcos (Markel, 80 mins), Sergio (Agirretxe, 59 mins), Moha (Estrada, 72 mins) and Xabi Prieto.

Castellón vs Real Sociedad Build Up

Coach Lillo gave his weekly press conference today and revealed he isn't obsessing about league positions and is concentrating soley on his next objective - beating Castellón. If Real Sociedad are to win on Saturday they will need to do it without Claudio Bravo and Sebastian Abreu who are both away on international duty. "If there is no law that says that they were going to win, there is no law that says that without them we will not do so. They are the same odds." Lillo also declared he has full faith in Zubikarai who will deputise in goal.

There was more bad news today for midfielder Gorka Elustundo as it was revealed he suffered a partial rupture of the internal lateral ligament and medial ligament in his right knee in training yesterday. This latest injury will rule him out for the rest of the season. Although surgery is not required he can undergo current cell therapy treatments to speed up the recovery but i'm sure fans will share my hope for a speedy recovery as his season has been ruined by injury this year.

Earlier this week a Spanish newspaper reported that Iñigo Díaz de Cerio had signed a pre-contract agreement with bitter rivals Athletic Bilbao but on Tuesday President Jokin Aperribay met the press and denied this - "I have no confirmation. For now, the talks remain open. We have already stated that Diaz de Cerio and Xabier Castillo have offers from Real and we are waiting for answers".

Real Sociedad 2-0 Girona

A crowd of 19,177, the highest attendance of the season so far, witnessed Real Sociedad's third straight victory by two goals to nil and move them within five points of third place.

Girona set their stall out to defend straight away as they looked to make themselves very difficult to break down. The home side had to be very patient as chances in the first half were few and far between. Ansotegi was unlucky with a header from a Marcos corner as the first half passed without many efforts on goal.

Marcos had a volleyed effort that went well over the bar as Bravo continued to be a spectator and fans started to wonder if it was going to be their day. The first goal came after a cross from the left by Prieto was cleared by José but only as far as Mikel Aranburu who hit it first time past Ponza in goal - spark wild celebrations. The second goal came shortly after when Segio placed a free-kick past the helpless Ponza and the home fans could start dreaming of promotion again. Girona mounted a late rally but the defence stood firm. Necati and Marcos could have added a third late on but the final whistle sparked wild celebrations as the players were clapped from the field.

This was an excellent victory for Real Sociedad make no bones about it. A few weeks ago the team looked devoid of attacking ideas whilst also looking vulnerable at the back. The team now look like they are playing with great confidence and hunger and you always felt after the first went in that another would follow - not something thats happened too often this season. Its Castellon away next weekend and with a bit of momentum going now it can't come soon enough.

Real Sociedad: Bravo, Labaka, Ansotegi, Mikel González, Markel, Gerardo, Sergio (Moha, 82 mins), Aranburu, Xabi Prieto (Estrada, 87 mins), Abreu (Necati, 76 mins) and Marcos.

Girona: Ponza; Jose Serra, Igor, Amantegi (Arnal, 86 mins); Matamala, Manga (Xumi.65 mins), Dorca; Raúl (Gabri, 65 mins), Igor Felipe.

Real Sociedad vs Girona Build Up

Coach Lillo gave his weekly press conference this morning and the message was cautious - "We are going to play Girona and see what happens". He was keen to point out that there are still many points between the teams in the promotion places and Real Sociedad but he is happy the supporters hope has been restored after the last two victories. On the opponents for Sunday's game he added - "It will be very difficult to win. Girona are very determined and are always well organised so its important to never lose focus during the match and let them create chances".

Club captain Mikel Aranburu spoke yesterday in the press room at Zubieta after a training session which seen a large turnout of fans due to the good weather and holiday. He made it clear the squad is very determined to continue the winning run against Girona as it could provide a platform to go onto bigger things. He also pointed out a victory is essential to keep the pressure on the team thats in third place.

After Markel penned a new contract last week it now looks like full-back Xabi Castillo won't be following in his footsteps just yet. He has revealed talks have ended for the moment - "I have always said that my dream is to continue here, but what I value most is the ability to move forward in my career".

I would like to apologise for the delay in obtaining the match highlights for the Xerez match but they can now be viewed under Saturdays match report.

Vote For The Centenary Home Shirt

Real Sociedad are giving fans the opportunity to vote for what next seasons home shirt will look like. There are three to choose from so simply click on the link below and choose one. I think its a fantastic idea so grab your opportunity to become a fashion designer for 60 seconds and help make the team fashionable next season!

Click here to vote.

Xerez 1-3 Real Sociedad

Please do not adjust your screen settings because the scoreline above is correct dear readers - Xerez 1-3 Real Sociedad! Real Sociedad have picked up a MASSIVE three points against top of the table Xerez thanks to a magnificent hat-trick from "the madman" Abreu and for the first time in ages Real Sociedad fans around Spain and the world will have a spring in their step for days to come. Lets make no bones about it, any kind of victory is priceless at the moment for the txuri urdin but what makes this one stand out compared to others was it lookes like something has finally clicked and the hunger and passion was tangable from the players.

The first half started like a victory was a million miles away as after only 11 minutes Momo was given plenty of space to set up Bermejo for the opening goal. At this point Real fans would have been forgiven for thinking a cricket score was on the cards as Xerez have been very impressive this season and in games gone past if they score first, they normally go on to win in some considerable style. The Real Sociedad character was about to be tested big time and it was time to stand up and be counted in the League - welcome the Marcos and Abreu show! On 28 minutes Marcos set up the first of what would become a hat-trick of assists by passing to Abreu to beat Chema low into the net. The next goal was always going to be massive as a goal for the hosts could flood thoughts of self doubt into the minds of the Real Sociedad players and Luque went close but was denied by Bravo. With half-time approaching Marcos crossed perfectly for Abreu to header home and score at the perfect time. As the players came off for half-time the players had a spring in their step and so they should.

The second half was only 5 minutes long when Real Sociedad fans had to start rubbing their eyes as another cross from Marcos was clinically finished by Abreu to claim the match ball and now anything was possible! Real Sociedad were now playing like a team possesed and Marcos came close to getting the goal he deserved then Abreu was denied his fourth of the day by Chema. On 72 minutes the hero of the hour Abreu was replaced by Necati Ates and given a rapturous applause by the away fans after the shift he put in. The last minutes of the game passed without any real threat from a now deflated home team as the defence stood firm and dealt with anything that came their way. When the full-time whistle went the joy on the players faces was clear to see but rather than with relief like on so many other occasions it was now with a spring in the step like they finally discovered how to play like we all knew they could.

Only 2 weeks ago the season looked almost over but this latest win has put us straight back into the mix for promotion. A home tie against Girona awaits us next week where another win will make the top three look over their shoulders very nervously and with Abreu hitting top form and showing his Spanish doubters what he can do its a game i can't wait for.

Xerez: Chema, Francis Silva, Aythami, Mendoza, Rios, Moreno (Calle, 70 mins), Luque (Antoñito, 58 mins), Momo, Bermejo and Sarmiento (Abel, 58 mins).

Real Sociedad: Bravo, Labaka, Ansotegi, Mikel González (Castillo, 57 mins), Gerardo, Markel (Rivas, 57 mins), Aranburu, Sergio, Xabi Prieto, Abreu (Necati, 72 mins) and Marcos.

Xerez vs Real Sociedad Team News

Real Sociedad face table topping Xerez tommorow and a victory would be a huge confidence boost for the squad to take on as they look to climb the table and get back to chasing the promotion places. Diego Rivas and Xabi Castillo return to the squad at the expence of suspended Moha and Boukary Dramé, the latter of which dropping out of the squad after a massivley disappointing season so far. The last meeting at the Anoeta between these sides last October finished in a goalless draw but so far in the league Xerez has managed 48 goals compared to Real Sociedad's 26 so there is no doubt it will be a difficult game.

Squad for tomorrows match -

- Goalkeepers: Bravo, Zubikarai.

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

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

- Forwards: Necati, Abreu, Agirretxe.

The club has successfully won the appeal to have Xabi Prieto's yellow card recinded after he was booked for diving in last weeks game. The Appeals Committee decided, after viewing a tape of the incident, that Prieto had in fact been fouled and so hadn't dived as the referee had thought.

Real Sociedad 1-0 Sevilla Atlético

Real Sociedad picked up a prescious three points against Sevilla Atlético thanks to a 82nd minute winner from Mikel Aranburu and kept the promotion dream alive. No-one can doubt Real Sociedad merited the victory as it was a very one sided affair however it must be a concern that they made hard work of a team well below them in terms of quality and at times it looked like they were devoid of any attacking ideas much to the discomfort of the home fans.

The first real chance of the game came from the visitors when a Coto shot had Bravo at full stretch and he had to be alert to stop Fali scoring. The two aforementioned players were a handful for the defence and Ansetogi and Mikel González were kept on their toes. The theme of the match seemed to be the home team playing really well and passing was assured and confident but when they arrived in the final third they ran out of ideas. The best chance of the first half fell to Abreu after some great play by Prieto but his powerful shot was saved well by Ruyales.

In the second half Sevilla Atlético barely got out their own half and Bravo in goal could have had a nap in the changing rooms for all he had to do. Aranburu tested Ruyales with a header before Abreu also had an effort denied. The goal finally came in the 82nd minute when Moha had a fantastic run down the left and played it to Prieto who passed first time for Aranburu to fire home. The relief on the players and fans was understandable.

At the final whistle we had to be happy with the victory but the fans would have left the stadium with the feeling Real Sociedad should definitely have won by a bigger margin as Sevilla Atlético were there for the taking. A massive match awaits next week with an away trip to top of the table Xerez and unless the team are more rutheless in front of goal then i know who my money will be on but for at least another week the dream is still alive.

Real Sociedad: Bravo, Labaka, Ansotegi, Mikel González, Gerardo (Necati, 67 mins), Markel, Aranburu, Sergio, Xabi Prieto, Marcos Abreu and (Moha, 70 mins).

Sevilla Atlético: Ruyales, Ismael, Gallardo, Redondo, Rios (Ramirez, 55 mins), Coto (Pukki, 46 mins), Barranco, Valiente, José Carlos, Fali and Mohammed.

Real Sociedad vs Sevilla Atlético Team News

There are two changes from last weeks squad as Carlos Martínez and Boukary Dramé replace the suspended duo of Rivas and Castillo. As expected, striker Aggiretxe has fully recovered from his tonsilitis and is in the squad.

Squad for Sevilla Atlético match:-

- Goalkeepers: Bravo, Zubikarai.

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

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

- Forwards: Necati, Abreu, Agirretxe.

I would like to have a special mention for 4 lads from the English town of South Nutfield in Surrey called Paul Murray, Howard Fine, Chris Sherriff and Jon Fenn who have made the special trip to San Sebastian for todays crucial match. Paul Murray is a subscriber to this blog by e-mail and has very kindly said he will pick up a match day programme for me and post it to me. Hope you are having a great trip so far and hopefully the boys can get the 3 points this time (Paul advised they went to the Numancia 1-0 defeat last March)!

Agirretxe Touch And Go For Sunday

Imanol Agirretxe returned to training this morning after missing the last two days through tonsilitis and revealed - "I'm eager, but we must be cautious. I'll see how the body responds in training thats left. I think I will, but you never know." He appeared to be running well on the pitch today and in the gym so Lillo could still consider him for the squad.

Coach Lillo gave his weekly press conference this morning in preparation for Sundays visit of Sevilla Atlético and is still confident Real Sociedad can mount a challenge for promotion. He said the dream is still there but doesn't want to underestimate the visitors considering their only victory this season has come at the expense of Real Sociedad. He also dismissed any talk of the pressures he is facing in this difficult time and said - "What matters is the Real, not me."

Boukary Dramé Could Get Chance

With Xabier Castillo suspended for this weekends match against Sevilla Atlético after picking up 5 yellow cards the left back slot is up for grabs and could see a rare start given to Boukary Dramé. The Senegal International is on a season long loan from French outfit FC Sochaux but a mixture of injury and Castillo's fine form have left the player looking on from the sidelines for most of the season. Dramé recognises he has to be patient - "I can not do anything other than wait for the opportunity".

Sebastian 'El Loco' Abreu has revealed he still believes Real Sociedad can push for promotion and says and knowing the importance of what is at stake, "you can not throw in the towel until its lost". He also said the players are suffering just as much as the fans just now - "We are not aliens, but also suffer. We are indebted to them for the support we are getting. Watch as we were welcomed in Vitoria, after a defeat, when I am used to the contrary in my land".

Abreu has scored 3 goals so far in his 6 appearances for the club and will be a huge player this weekend as anything other than 3 points is unthinkable just now.

Alavés 2-1 Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad's hopes of promotion this season all but disappeared yesterday after losing to rivals Alavés. This is the team of course who defeated Real in the final game of last season at the same venue to end the promotion dream and they have hit a hammer blow again. Things looked rosy in the first half as both teams battled hard and looked hungry for the win. On 39 mins Marcos swung in a cross from the left and Abreu powered a header past the keeper. In the second half Real Sociedad barely looked troubled as Alaves started to control the match and have most of the ball. It wasn't until the 65th minute when Javi Guerra scored from a corner you got the sinking feeling that this wasn't going to be Real Sociedads night again. As the game moved into the final five minutes the thought of losing 3 games in a row was unthinkable but when Almirón scored on 85 minutes from another corner the nightmare became a reality.

Another late goal. Another defeat to a team we should be beating. Another good performance with nothing to show for it and now 1 point from a possible 12 in the last four games. Its difficult to pinpoint exactly what has gone wrong. Perhaps Coach Lillo just isn't the man for the job. Its unlikely he will be replaced at this stage of the season but something is going wrong. The defence seem to lose all concentration in the final 10 minutes of games and forget the basics of defending. He persists on giving Necati Ates game time but its looking ever more possible the striker will go all season without a single goal. Off-field turmoil obviously hasn't helped and too a degree it must affect the players but something needs to be done quick to stop the freefall in the league. The players need to get psyched up for one final push. Next Sundays home tie against Sevilla Atletico must be looked upon as a cup final and every game after that and if a run of victories can be put together then there is still hope, and when you have hope anything is possible.

Alaves: Bernardo; Caesar Almirón, Garro (Kalderon, 83 mins), Albacar; De Marcos (Igor, 76 mins), Astudillo, Emilio, Llorente, Javi Guerra Juanjo (Garitano 83 mins).

Real Sociedad: Bravo, Gerardo, Labaka, Ansotegi, Castillo, Rivas (Necati, 87 mins), Aranburu (Estrada, 62 mins), Xabi Prieto, Sergio, Marcos; Abreu.