Matarazzo says Real Sociedad played its best attacking football in a long time

“It is the best attacking football our team has played in a long time,” Matarazzo said after Real Sociedad’s 5-2 victory at La Rosaleda. The coach stopped short of calling it his most satisfying win, saying he would need to think about the other matches first. He pointed to the strong start, which he considered especially important in a stadium that could give the team energy. “We showed ourselves and played the way we wanted to.”

Matarazzo focused on the attacking performance: his team scored five, created numerous chances and could have added more. In his view, the display stood out for the way Real Sociedad created danger. He also said the plan, prepared during the week, was to play with attacking energy, dominate and get players into the box. The team achieved that through its build-up play and transitions, he said, and across the different phases of the game.

The coach also praised Take’s move, calling the goal “fantastic”. He described Take as focused and confident when he arrived in Málaga, determined to show what he could do. Matarazzo also singled out Héctor’s run, which drew a marker and created the space for Take to cut inside and shoot. He called Take’s first half very good and his goal beautiful.

Mikel Oyarzabal also received praise. Matarazzo described him as a top-level professional, competitive in training and determined to win every match. He admired Oyarzabal’s ambition as well as his humility and leadership.

Beyond the individual performances, the coach saw room for the team to develop in LaLiga. He was particularly pleased with Héctor’s defensive work and link-up with Take, as well as Aihen’s solidity, the centre-backs and Gorrotxategi. Greater competition, he said, can encourage more players to raise their level to earn a place in the team.

Matarazzo did not overlook the two goals conceded or the chances given up. He acknowledged that the team had gone all-out in attack without succeeding defensively, while arguing for a balance suited to the circumstances: on some days the attack may not click, and the team will then need to defend together as a unit.