Matarazzo Praises Budimir Ahead Of Real Sociedad – Osasuna Clash
Pellegrino Matarazzo urged focus and maximum effort as Real Sociedad – Osasuna prepare to meet at Anoeta in a match both clubs view as pivotal for their European hopes. The Real coach said his team must reach its limits to beat a side he described as solid, mobile and led by a high-scoring striker.
Real Sociedad – Osasuna: What Matarazzo Said
Matarazzo, speaking at a press conference in Zubieta on the eve of the game, said he felt “very good sensations” after this week’s training and described the fixture as potentially “a very big day” in the fight for places that qualify for continental competition. He reminded his players they have four league matches left before the Copa final against Atlético but stressed the immediate priority is the league match against Osasuna.
The coach highlighted Osasuna’s recent form and the threat posed by their striker, noting that the visitors show “a lot of solidity, mobility and a Budimir who scores many goals. ” He added that the team must treat every match as if it were the last and focus on winning the necessary results.
Team News, Lineup Choices and Key Players
Matarazzo has largely been able to return to his preferred starting eleven, with some fitness questions around Jon Gorrotxategi after a period of managed loads. The coach named a 23-player squad that does not include Aihen Muñoz, Take Kubo, Iñaki Rupérez or Álvaro Odriozola due to injury or recovery. Gorrotxategi has recovered from a muscle issue and could be an option, while the defensive selection remains a contest between Caleta-Car and Zubeldia.
In attack, Real expect familiar combinations to be available after recent rotation and rest: a frontline that can include Oyarzabal, Guedes and Barrenetxea, supported in midfield by Turrientes and possibly Yangel Herrera if Gorrotxategi starts from the bench. The real sociedad – osasuna matchup has frequently revolved around individual matchups; Oyarzabal remains a decisive figure for the hosts, while Ante Budimir has been the clear focal point for Osasuna’s goals.
Osasuna, arriving in good form, face selection challenges of their own with absences among their more experienced players. Those missing minutes have opened opportunities for others in the squad to step up, with Raúl Moro noted as a possible offensive option in the visitors’ front line alongside Víctor Muñoz and Ante Budimir.
Stakes, Atmosphere and Recent History
The match carries weight in the race for European places: Real sat higher in the table with a narrow points advantage over Osasuna, and both sides see the fixture as a direct contest for continental qualification. Recent meetings have been tightly contested; the teams also faced one another in the Copa, where Real progressed after a penalty shootout in which Unai Marrero stood out.
Off the field there has been tension around the distribution and pricing of tickets for the upcoming Copa final, a controversy that has been prominent during the week and could affect the atmosphere at Anoeta. Home form under Matarazzo has been a point of confidence for Real, while Osasuna arrive as a well-drilled unit that has previously beaten the hosts in recent league visits to Anoeta.
Another personal milestone adds to the night’s significance: goalkeeper Álex Remiro will play his 300th match for the club in this meeting with Osasuna, a tally that combines league, cup and European appearances amassed since his arrival at the club in 2019.
Looking ahead, both teams must manage remaining fixtures carefully and treat the match as an essential step in their campaigns. Matarazzo’s message was clear: demand maximum effort now, with the Copa final on the horizon but the immediate prize lying at Anoeta tonight.
