Ruiz as the lifeguard of an Athletic team that was overwhelmed by Real Sociedad for a good part of the match, but managed to avoid defeat and, in the process, contain a crisis that threatened to worsen. The Txuriurdin team was superior in play, pace and chances, imposing their plan and transmitting a feeling of control that seemed to direct the match in their favor. However, the turning point came with the expulsion of Brais Méndez, an action that altered the development of the clash in the final minutes and that came very close to costing Real Sociedad dearly. With numerical superiority, Athletic found the context they needed to react. It was then that Ruiz de Galarreta appeared, taking advantage of the momentary confusion and the environmental push to rescue a point that tastes like glory for Valverde’s men. His intervention allowed and stopped, in some way, its negative dynamic, while Real was left with the bitter feeling of having been better.
1
Unai Simón, Jesús Areso (Andoni Gorosabel, min. 78), Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche, Adama Boiro, Alex Berenguer (Urko Izeta, min. 71), Mikel Jauregizar, Alejandro Rego (Íñigo Ruíz de Galarreta, min. 45), Nico Williams (Iñaki Williams, min. 71), Unai Gómez (Robert Navarro, min. 61) and Gorka Cruzeta
1
Álex Remiro, Jon Martín, Igor Zubeldia, Sergio Gómez, Jon Aramburu, Gonçalo Guedes (Wesley, min. 76), Carlos Soler, Pablo Marín (Aihen Muñoz, min. 84), Jon Gorrotxategi (Beñat Turrientes, min. 62), Mikel Oyarzabal (Orri Óskarsson, min. 76) and Luka Sucic (Brais Méndez, min. 62)
Goals
0-1 min. 36: Gonçalo Guedes. 1-1 min. 87: Ruiz de Galarreta
Referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez
yellow cards
Zubeldia (min. 22), Jon Martín (min. 50), Yuri (min. 55), Jesús Areso (min. 68), Urko Izeta (min. 74), Aitor Paredes (min. 83)
red cards
Brais (min. 82)
That goal by Ruiz de Galarreta served, among other things, to take away the glory of Guedes, who has become, on his own merits, one of the key pieces of this Real Sociedad. His arrival last summer for just four million euros generated many doubts, both due to his irregularity in previous stages and the risk involved in betting on a player looking to relaunch his career. However, the Portuguese has responded with personality, talent and a constant influence on the team’s offensive game, providing imbalance, arrival from the second line and a permanent threat from mid-range.
The great goal in San Mamés, with a spectacular shot from outside the area, perfectly symbolizes his impact: character in a demanding scenario and quality to decide important matches. Beyond the numbers, he has raised the competitive level of the attack and has earned the trust of a fan base that loves the Portuguese footballer. Its performance not only more than justifies the investment, but it is already emerging as one of the great operations in the recent market and a differentiating factor in the aspirations of a Real Sociedad that dreams of returning to Europe.
The third time was the charm for him. On the two previous occasions, Unai Simón dominated the blue and white attacker with reflexes and hierarchy, frustrating his attempts and keeping the duel in favor of the international goalkeeper. Guedes, far from collapsing, insisted with determination and personality, convinced that his moment would eventually come. And it came in the most spectacular way. The Portuguese pulled a real whip out of his hat, a sharp and precise shot from outside the area that flew straight into the corner, impossible for Unai Simón. Then he lacked the clairvoyance of his companion. It could have been 0-2.
Beyond everything, the San Mamés match confirms that the arrival of Matarazzo to the Real Sociedad bench has been an absolute turning point for the team. In a context marked by mistrust and a particularly demanding calendar, the coach has managed to stabilize the group and restore a clear competitive identity. Despite facing top-level rivals, the team remains undefeated, an evident example of the mental and tactical solidity that it has managed to implement in a very short time. But beyond the results, Matarazzo’s greatest impact is perceived in the emotional and collective transformation of the locker room. Real Sociedad has gone from being a hesitant team to one that is convinced, intense and recognizable, capable of adapting to different scenarios without losing its personality.
