Real Sociedad have reasons to believe before Anoeta decider | OneFootball

Real Sociedad carry a one-goal lead from San Mamés into tomorrow's decider at a sold-out Anoeta, chasing a first final with fans since 1988. A place at La Cartuja awaits if they finish the job.

According to Diario Vasco, Matarazzo's arrival has lifted the mood, the win in Mallorca reinforced belief, and after near-misses against Mallorca and Real Madrid the past two seasons a third attempt could finally land a final.

Caution remains, a one-goal cushion is not decisive against Athletic, who recently turned a 1-0 interval deficit into a 3-2 win over Atalanta in the Champions despite key absences.

Even so, La Real hold the advantage in scoreline and venue. In 31 Cup and European ties after winning away first, they have been eliminated only once, by Lleida in 2017/18 when the away-goals rule still applied.

Results under Matarazzo read eight wins, three draws and one defeat. Across nine league rounds they have 18 points and 17 goals, third-best in both, while Athletic have 12 in the same span.

Defensively they have tightened, with clean sheets in Mallorca and in the 11 February Copa tie at San Mamés. Athletic have five in 26 league matches and conceded three in November at Anoeta, while La Real's attack has sharpened lately.

Options have improved too, with Barrenetxea, Sucic and Zakharyan back after missing the first leg. Óskarsson is a late doubt with a soleus issue, and Barcelona's last two visits here ended in defeat as Anoeta has become a help.

Source: Diario Vasco