Sánchez Pizjuán, La Real’s ground of heartbreak and heroics | OneFootball

Real Sociedad return to the Sánchez Pizjuán on Monday, a venue of extremes. Sevilla are fighting for survival, and while La Real have taken one point since lifting the Copa del Rey, they retain the quality to win anywhere.

Historically the balance is respectable, points in 28 of 66 visits, 15 wins, 13 draws, 38 defeats. According to Diario Vasco, early trips south were harsh, with 11 losses in the first 13 between 1935 and 1957.

On 11 May 1980, La Real arrived unbeaten and a point clear of Real Madrid. Though third-party bonuses were banned, Madrid incentivised Sevilla and Daniel Bertoni scored both in a 2-1 win. Zamora had levelled in the 65th minute before Bertoni’s late strike.

On 2 February 1997, Sevilla led 2-0 until the 84th minute, then Real Sociedad completed their greatest comeback to win 3-2, costing Camacho his job. Gracia began it, Mutiu equalised after a Monchi mistake, and De Pedro struck in stoppage time.

In 2002/03, Denoueix’s leaders visited on matchday 13 without the ill Westerveld and the pivotal Xabi Alonso. Alberto excelled, and on 70 minutes Nihat launched a counter via Kovacevic and De Pedro for Karpin to finish, one raid, three points.

In 2013, Montanier’s men won 2-1 there, then on the final day Unai Emery’s Sevilla beat Ernesto Valverde’s Valencia 4-3, Negredo scoring four, to deliver fourth place. In November 2022, Imanol’s side scraped home after leading 2-0 against nine, Sorloth and Brais Méndez scoring before Rafa Mir replied.

Source: Diario Vasco