Xabi Alonso among guests as Real Sociedad keep it low key and finish at Bataplán | OneFootball

After sealing a place in the final at Anoeta, Real Sociedad kept celebrations in check, dining at the stadium before a late stop at Bataplán. According to Diario Vasco, the night closed without fuss, mindful of another match tomorrow.

Those expecting fountains at Pío XII or dips at La Concha were wide of the mark. Once the lap of honour ended, supporters headed straight home and Amara was quiet within an hour after a flare-filled pre-match welcome.

Among those present were Mikel Merino, injured and permitted by Arsenal to travel from Pamplona, Xabi Alonso, federation president Rafael Louzán, regional leaders María Ubarretxenea and Eider Mendoza, and the mayors of Bilbao and San Sebastián. Atlético chief Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and singer Dani Martín arrived from Madrid. Jokin Aperribay received them before they left as the team departed.

Mikel Oyarzabal again stood at the centre, later pictured on the pitch with his son Martín and acknowledging the stands with calm authority. The club had not expected to reach the final after the way the season began.

Players ate in the club’s dining room beside the changing area. The final whistle confirmed the trip to La Cartuja and eased weeks of tension, so almost the entire squad chose to unwind at one of the few open venues, Bataplán.

They reached the La Concha promenade just after one, the club packed and scarves aloft, then called time on the night with a game ahead.

Source: Diario Vasco