The Pride Of San Sebastián: A Real Sociedad Dynasty

[orion523]

Quote: Originally Posted by southernmetalhead

Real Madrid was always going to be tough, but conceding so early had to be disheartening. Advancing to the Copa del Rey quarters was really nice though, especially with the way you came back on Mallorca. That had to be thrilling, and Real Betis is not a bad matchup at all.

I'm 42 years old and have been a gamer since I got an Atari 2600 in the 70's, that game against Mallorca was one of the most thrilling experiences I've ever had in a sports game, and it was without a doubt my finest hour in FIFA, good stuff. Now if only I could win a cup of some kind....

[orion523]

Quote: Originally Posted by southernmetalhead

Real Madrid was always going to be tough, but conceding so early had to be disheartening. Advancing to the Copa del Rey quarters was really nice though, especially with the way you came back on Mallorca. That had to be thrilling, and Real Betis is not a bad matchup at all.

I wasn't expecting to win at the Bernabéu, especially when the game is smack dab in the middle of a stretch of 4 games in 10 days, I just didn't want to get waxed, I'll take 3-0. As for the Mallorca game, I wish I could post highlights because that was without a doubt the most exciting game I've played, in any sport, maybe ever. That final goal, the way it went down with that race against the keeper, it was F'N awesome.

[orion523]

La Liga Match Day #19
12 January 2013
Anoeta, San Sebastián

Real Sociedad 2-1 Deportivo

Scoring Summary
6' Antoine Griezmann - RS
14' Imanol Agirretxe - RS
21' Pizzi(p) - Dep

Early Strikes See Sociedad Past Deportivo By 2-1


Wanted man Antoine Griezmann shows off his stuff against Deportivo

Back at home for the first time in four games, Real Sociedad inched a little bit closer to the top six with an impressive 2-1 victory over Deportivo La Coruña.
Fueled by the sellout crowd, La Real started fast, overwhelming the visitors with crisp passes and a strong counter attack which resulted in two goals in the game's first quarter hour, but just when it looked as if this was going to be a laugher, Deportivo caught a break when referee Pérez Montero made an iffy handball call on Sociedad right back Carlos Martinez. Now 2-1 after the conversion by loaned in striker Pizzi, the pace of the game slowed, becoming much more tactical and in the end neither team would find the back of the net again and Sociedad held on to win the match by that same 2-1 score.

Results From Around La Liga

10 January 2013
Celta de Vigo 1-0 Real Valladolid

12 January 2013
Atlético Madrid 2-1 Real Zaragoza
Osasuna 1-1 Real Madrid
Getafe 1-0 Granada
Real Sociedad 2-1 Deportivo

13 January 2013
Athletic Bilbao 2-3 Rayo Vallecano
Malaga 1-1 Barcelona
Espanyol 0-0 Celta de Vigo
Real Betis 3-1 Levante
Real Valladolid 1-2 Mallorca
Valencia 1-1 Sevilla

[orion523]

Real Sociedad Bolster Defense With Purchase Of Dragovic


21 year old Austrian defender Aleksandar Dragovic Headed To Spain

After what had been described as tense but ultimately fruitful negotiations, Spanish side Real Sociedad and Swiss side FC Basel have agreed to a deal in which Sociedad will send 26 year old midfielder David Zurutuza and €400,000 to Basel in exchange for highly touted 21 year old centre half Aleksandar Dragovic. Winner of the 2012 Swiss Golden Award for best defender, Dragovic should immediately bolster a Sociedad defense which has at times been a bit lackluster. As of press it it was unclear whether or not Dragovic would make his debut in the upcoming second leg of the Copa del Rey against Real Betis or in their league match a few days later against Real Zaragoza.

[orion523]

2012-13 Copa del Rey
Quarterfinals Leg Two
16 January 2013
Anoeta, San Sebastián

Real Sociedad 0-2(0-2) Real Betis

Scoring Summary
2' Nosa - RB
90' Dorlan Pabón

Smothering Betis Defense Forces Sociedad Into Submission


Dorlan Pabón's 90th minute goal sends Real Betis through

Level at 0-0 on aggregate, Real Sociedad needed merely to win at home in order to advance to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey for the fist time since the 1987-88 campaign, but unfortunately for fans of the Txuri-urdin, it wasn't to be. An opportune early goal off of a questionable pass, a late goal which took advantage of desperation, and a brilliant defensive performance all added up to a very impressive 2-0 victory for an in form Real Betis squad who've not lost a match since their 3-1 setback at the hands of Barcelona on 9 December.

2012-13 Copa del Rey
Quarterfinal Results Leg Two

15 January 2013
Celta de Vigo 1-0(2-1) Malaga

16 January 2013
Real Sociedad 0-2(0-2) Real Betis
Valencia 1-1(1-2) Atlético Madrid

17 January 2013
Barcelona 5-0(6-2) Athletic Bilbao

2012-13 Copa del Rey
Semi Final Fixtures

Celta de Vigo vs Atlético Madrid
Real Betis vs Barcelona

[orion523]

La Liga Match Day #20
21 January 2013
La Romareda, Zaragoza

Real Zaragoza 0-1 Real Sociedad

Scoring Summary
15' Antoine Griezmann(p) - RS

Helping "Hand" Boosts La Real's Chances At Europe


Antoine Griezmann's 15th min penalty conversion spelled doom for Real Zaragoza

A blistering 35 yard shot by Asier Illarramendi was blatantly deflected out of play by the arm of Zaragoza defender Cristian Sapunaru allowing for an easy penalty call by referee Gil Manzano who got little in the way of protest from the offending party. One Antoine Griezmann conversion later, Real Sociedad had an early 1-0 lead and they never looked back as they methodically ground out a very difficult 1-0 road win thanks to a brilliant performance by their back four. Making his first start in a Real Sociedad uniform, CB Aleksandar Dragovic quickly rewarded his coach's faith, gelling well with fellow centre half Inigo Martinez in an effort which saw them hold the home side to just 7 shots total, with one on target.

Results From Around La Liga

15 January 2013
Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Real Zaragoza

19 January 2013
Atlético Madrid 4-0 Levante
Malaga 3-0 Celta de Vigo
Espanyol 2-2 Mallorca
Real Valladolid 1-2 Real Zaragoza

20 January 2013
Osasuna 2-1 Deportivo
Getafe 0-1 Sevilla
Granada 1-2 Rayo Vallecano
Real Betis 1-1 Athletic Bilbao
Valencia 1-1 Real Madrid

21 January 2013
Real Zaragoza 0-1 Real Sociedad

[southernmetalhead]

Dragovic is a great signing, and I see the sharks are starting to come in for Griezmann who is certainly delivering for you.

[pfeifere1]

I agree...that's a fantastic signing. Tough loss in the quarters of the Copa Del Rey. Hopefully Dragovic helps solidify the back line.