Following Real Sociedad around the world proved worth the journey | OneFootball

Real Sociedad’s pilgrimage to Seville turned the city blue and white, surpassing all expectations. According to Diario Vasco, president Jokin Aperribay praised the huge effort by fans who travelled by land, sea and air.

The club’s pull now stretches across the globe, from Gipuzkoans living abroad to supporters who adopted La Real for their own reasons. Many made notable sacrifices to be in Seville and their commitment stood out.

For Haritz Maillo of Arrasate, the final began on Wednesday with a flight that had him landing in Madrid on Thursday, then into the thick of it in Seville by Friday. Initially wary about wearing colours, he soon felt at ease among thousands of fellow fans. His wife flew from New York despite doubts about the journey and the cost, and both now feel it was money well spent.

Staying in Seville until Wednesday and swept up in the post-match celebrations, Maillo sensed a fanbase growing quickly, with pride on open display.

Alongside him was Tsubasa, head of the Reala Nippon supporters’ club, who was overwhelmed by the penalty drama as they watched from the Bultzada end. He felt winning the Copa again was especially moving with supporters inside the ground, then marked it with kalimotxo, sandwiches and songs.

Tsubasa is now in Donostia for today’s reception and Wednesday’s match, before flying back to Japan on Thursday.

Thousands of kilometres from La Cartuja, Houston-based Ricardo Herrero-Valente watched calmly at home with his two children, having followed Real since his Donostia-born father set him on that path. Kick-off was 14:00 for him, and a lucky penny found that morning felt like a good omen. Matarazzo has become the second American coach to win a European title, and ESPN in the United States has been talking plenty about the game.

Source: Diario Vasco