Real Sociedad seek to rekindle La Cartuja spirit against Atlético | OneFootball

Real Sociedad host Atlético tonight at Anoeta, seeking to rekindle April’s La Cartuja joy. Around 35,000 home fans are expected, and the occasion again carries the memory of Aitor Zabaleta.

Confidence is up after an in extremis win with ten men at Elche, days before Thursday’s European opener against Bournemouth. According to Diario Vasco, Matarazzo is without suspended Jon Martín and injured Igor Zubeldia, and Caleta-Car has departed to Sassuolo.

Centre-back duties are likely to fall to Luken Beitia and on-loan Mamadou Sarr, a debutant last Monday, with Jon Pacheco short of minutes. Odriozola and Marín remain out, but Ochieng boosted an attack that will be well stocked.

In goal, Marrero and Remiro are contesting the shirt. Turrientes, Barrene and Óskarsson could come in, and the midfield may mirror the cup final of Turrientes, Soler and Sucic, with Sucic, top scorer on two, perhaps operating wider.

Atlético have 7 points like La Real, with a game in hand, but lost 3-0 at San Mamés and 2-1 at Anfield. All signs point to Simeone using a back three, with Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sorloth sidelined.

Atlético are unbeaten in the last six league meetings at Anoeta, three draws and three wins. La Real last beat them in the 2022 Copa tie through Januzaj and Sorloth. The hosts want a night to remember again.

Source: Diario Vasco

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