Shanti Bakero and Jon Mikel Aramburu embody Real Sociedad’s grit | OneFootball

Real Sociedad reach the Copa del Rey final, with Shanti Bakero and Jon Mikel Aramburu cast as standard-bearers of the club’s grit. According to Diario Vasco, their combative edge has long powered Real Sociedad’s biggest nights.

The elder Bakero arrived from Hércules in the season the trophy was won in Zaragoza, initially as a right-back. With Sagarzazu in situ, John Toshack shifted him into midfield, where his tenacity and timing stood out.

Aramburu mirrors that profile, prioritising graft to free up the side’s creators. He also exploits space when markers follow Jon Martín and Caleta-Car, a detail that underlines his sense for surprise.

Bakero argues fight and commitment make up half of success, recalling a semi-final first leg at Atocha with nine men that ended 0-0. They then felt an eleven-strong visit to Bilbao would be simpler.

Aramburu accepts San Mamés is demanding, yet says hostile pressure can motivate, and the squad go to Seville chasing something big. The final on the 18th is against Atlético de Madrid, as in Zaragoza 39 years ago. Bakero says a one-off could turn on belief, and Aramburu pledges to give everything to bring the trophy back to Gipuzkoa.

Source: Diario Vasco