Cruel return for Karrikaburu | OneFootball

Real Sociedad’s league defeat to Getafe was darkened by Jon Karrikaburu’s painful comeback.

They had beaten Atlético de Madrid at La Cartuja four days earlier. After two days of celebrations, energy was lacking and, according to AS, La Real still did enough to win. Instead a first-half own goal by Gorrotxategi decided it, with Bordalás’s side taking the points without a shot on target.

Karrikaburu, on for the first time under Pellegrino Matarazzo, entered in the 88th minute at 0-1 chasing a late reaction. He appeared to suffer an injury almost immediately, finishing the match heavily restricted.

It was his first minutes since 12 December last year, a 1-2 home defeat to Girona at Anoeta with Sergio Francisco in the dugout. There was winter interest from several teams, mostly in Segunda División, yet no agreement was reached and the academy striker stayed to fight for chances.

The American coach from New Jersey was presented on 22 December and oversaw his first game on 4 January 2026, a 1-1 draw with Atlético de Madrid. He has said selections are made on training evidence and team needs.

The extent of Karrikaburu’s issue is to be assessed, and he may be sidelined for a few days. He remains under contract until 2027 and, barring a major surprise, this appears to be his final season as a txuri-urdin.

Source: AS