Real Sociedad is simply unbeatable under coach Pellegrino Matarazzo: The Basques are moving ever closer to European qualification with a 3-1 home win over promoted Elche.
Pellegrino Matarazzo has only been coach in San Sebastian since December 21, 2025. But already, he and his assistant Ömer Toprak have the Real Sociedad fans eating out of their hands. The American took over the struggling club in 16th place in La Liga and has been unbeaten ever since. The 1-1 draw with Atletico was followed by, among other things, a celebrated 2-1 win over leaders Barcelona. Six wins and two draws speak for themselves. On Saturday evening, newly promoted Elche were the visitors to the Reale Arena. But once again, Matarazzo’s team came out on top. Former Munich player Odriozola initiated a strong counterattack in the 24th minute, which Goncalo Guedes crowned with his pass to Sucic. However, Sucic first missed the ball before recovering to make it 1-0 (24′). Shortly afterwards, the goalscorer grabbed his groin and had to be substituted early (29′).
Real Sociedad did not let the Croatian’s absence unsettle them, partly because Elche helped them out: Oyarzabal intercepted a disastrous back pass from Martim Neto and scored his ninth La Liga goal of the season (37′). However, the hosts did not take their two-goal lead into the break, as former Leipzig player André Silva showed his instinct in the left side of the box and reduced the deficit to 1-2 (42′). Goncalo Guedes had the immediate response at his feet, but his shot from a tight angle whizzed past the left post (45′). Before the break, Matarazzo complained so much that he was shown a yellow card by referee José Luis Guzmán Mansilla (45+3).
Substitute Oskarsson dispels any remaining doubts
After the break, Elche fought hard and sold themselves dearly. But with the momentum of their recent performances behind them, Real Sociedad comfortably secured the home win. This was also because substitute Oskarsson dispelled any remaining doubts six minutes after coming on: the Icelander coolly took advantage of a counterattack to make it 3-1 (89′).
With 31 points and a positive goal difference (+2) at this point, Real Sociedad is getting closer and closer to qualifying for European competition. Fifth-placed Betis (35) and Espanyol (34), who each have a game in hand, need to look in the rearview mirror. That’s where Matarazzo is continuing to put his foot on the gas.
