The Albany Gazette - Contrasting fortunes add Basque derby edge for Matarazzo's revived Sociedad

On Sunday the American's revived La Real visit rivals Athletic Bilbao in a Basque derby clash made all the more charged by Ernesto Valverde's team's poor form.

Matarazzo, a New Jersey native, had only coached in Germany before replacing Sergio Francisco in late December with Real Sociedad just two points above the drop zone.

"This team can perform better," he said on his presentation, and immediately set about proving it.

With a battling 2-1 win over Barca as the highlight of his short reign so far, La Real have moved up to eighth in La Liga.

Valverde's Athletic, meanwhile, are down in 13th, without a win in their last five La Liga games, and crashed out of the Champions League on Wednesday.

Matarazzo was named manager of the month this week, with his team also beating Celta Vigo and Getafe, while drawing with Atletico. He also led them into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a victory on penalties over Osasuna, after coming from behind to draw 2-2.

Winning the Basque derby would keep the team's momentum and confidence high, with Matarazzo keen to highlight his team's spirit after last Sunday's win over Celta despite playing with 10 men for half the match.

"The players put all their courage and heart into the game, and that's very special for me," said Matarazzo.

"They gave everything they had and showed that we want more and that we want to keep moving forward... (now) we have another big week with the derby, then the Copa (match against Alaves)."

Striker Mikel Oyarzabal and winger Goncalo Guedes have been key for La Real and will offer their biggest threat, although midfielder Jon Gorrotxategi has also been in good form.

"It's a special and beautiful match... I'm not thinking about scoring a goal there, but if it happens, obviously it would be great," said Gorrotxategi.

Athletic have finished in the top eight of La Liga in each of the past four campaigns and reached the Europa League semi-finals last season, but have stalled, which Valverde blames on playing in the Champions League.

"The standings aren't good... but I'm not new to this -- 10 years ago we also had problems in the league while playing in the Champions League, and I knew this could happen," said the coach.

"We have to improve something because we want to break this downward spiral that we're already somewhat into."

Elsewhere La Liga leaders Barcelona visit mid-table Elche on Saturday, while second-placed Real Madrid host neighbours Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Player to watch: Victor Munoz

Last weekend Osasuna winger Munoz impressed as his team won away for the first time all season, for back-to-back wins to take them away from the relegation dogfight. The 22-year-old will be looking to shine again as fourth-placed Villarreal travel to Pamplona.

Key stats

0 - defeats for Barca when Raphinha has started this season.

4 - own goals Atletico Madrid have benefitted from this season in La Liga.

58 - percent of Mallorca's goals scored by target man Vedat Muriqi.

Fixtures

Friday

Espanyol v Alaves (2000)

Saturday

Real Oviedo v Girona (1300), Osasuna v Villarreal (1415), Levante v Atletico Madrid (1730), Elche v Barcelona (2000)

Sunday

Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano (1300), Real Betis v Valencia (1515), Getafe v Celta Vigo (1730), Athletic Bilbao v Real Sociedad (2000)

Monday

Mallorca v Sevilla (2000)

(P.Clark--TAG)