Real Sociedad lose another friendly final after a flat display

Real are not a team for txapelas, and perhaps Carrera is not either: the final defeat extended a difficult run in the tournament organised by Euskal Herria Kirola. Real Sociedad have now lost six of their seven finals in the competition. It remains a friendly tournament, but a poor performance did little to ease the concerns. Tamborrada hats might be a better fit than traditional Basque dress, which does not seem to appeal to Real.

The autumn Friday fixture did not fill Anoeta. Fewer than 10,000 spectators watched, including a significant proportion of rojiblanco supporters. The appeal of a derby and the long international break, which could have encouraged fans to return to the stadium to watch their team, were not enough to draw a larger crowd. The visitors appeared to take the game more seriously than the hosts in a pre-season match that was neither compelling nor enjoyable to watch. Absences, the date and the limited stakes were among the circumstances, but Real also lacked spark, football and tempo, and at times seemed short of desire or concentration.

After the final, the record serves as a reminder that the tournament is friendly, without erasing the disappointment of another defeat or the impression left by the home performance.