Matarazzo upbeat on Europa League draw, urges Real Sociedad to claim first points against Espanyol | OneFootball

Matarazzo upbeat on Europa League draw, urges Real Sociedad to claim first points against Espanyol | OneFootball

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·28 August 2026

Matarazzo upbeat on Europa League draw, urges Real Sociedad to claim first points against Espanyol

Article image:Matarazzo upbeat on Europa League draw, urges Real Sociedad to claim first points against Espanyol

With the Europa League draw done, Pellegrino Matarazzo turns to Saturday at Anoeta, where Real Sociedad face Espanyol seeking their first points after two away losses to Betis and Real Madrid. The American coach will oversee his third match of the season.

According to Diario Vasco, he described the draw as very interesting and said competing in Europe is what they want. He is not worried by the level, arguing you must face the best to win, and the trip to Turin to meet Juventus particularly pleases him given his roots.


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Matarazzo said the squad feel fine despite the rapid turnaround between games and he rated Espanyol highly. He expects a strong atmosphere at Anoeta and wants a clear connection between players and supporters.

He highlighted Mamadou Sarr as a profile that fits the team very well. Sarr completed Friday morning’s session and Matarazzo hinted the defender could make the squad, which will be named later.

The coach said he sensed very good energy in training and that the players are ready. With the first home match ahead, he added that it feels like the moment and there is no better day than Saturday to deliver a big performance and take victory.

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”

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