In a night pulsating with the rhythmic beat of carnival drums, Real Sociedad pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over La Liga leaders Barcelona, fracturing their 11-match winning streak and igniting San Sebastián's festivities a day early.
A Night Woven with Civic Magic
The backdrop was the Tamborrada, San Sebastián's annual festival where the city transforms into a parade of marching bands. As the first drummers set off towards the Anoeta stadium at 7pm, a unique atmosphere took hold. Real Sociedad's new American coach, Pellegrino Matarazzo, spoke of "a little magic in the atmosphere," a sentiment echoed by his captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who noted the celebrations had arrived 24 hours ahead of schedule.
The spectacle began with a guard of honour and a 300-strong orchestra on the pitch, featuring tenor Xabier Anduaga. The magic seemed to translate instantly onto the field when Oyarzabal, the 2024 'golden drum' winner, found the net after just 24 seconds—a goal later disallowed, but a portent of what was to come.
A Victory Defying Logic and Statistics
On paper, the result made little sense. Barcelona, enjoying their best form in a decade, dominated proceedings. The statistics were brutally one-sided: Barcelona hit the woodwork five times, had two goals ruled out, and forced eight saves from Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro. The expected goals (xG) tally read an astonishing 3.07 to 0.20 in Barça's favour.
Yet, la Real led at halftime through a Mikel Oyarzabal volley in the 31st minute. After Marcus Rashford's 69th-minute equaliser for Barcelona, logic suggested a comeback. Instead, Gonçalo Guedes struck just 59 seconds later to restore Sociedad's lead, a blow from which the league leaders could not recover.
"We have to say it: and luck, lots and lots of luck," admitted Oyarzabal post-match. Matarazzo concurred: "Let's be honest: Barcelona were very dominant; all in all, it was a bit lucky." Barcelona manager Hansi Flick could only rue a performance he described as "great," while Frenkie de Jong mused that "sometimes football has these games."
Matarazzo's Instant Impact
The victory underscored the remarkable early impact of coach Pellegrino Matarazzo. The Columbia University mathematics graduate, the first American to manage in La Liga, took over with the club on 16 points from 16 games. Since his arrival, they are unbeaten in four, taking seven points from nine in the league and advancing in the Copa del Rey.
His methodical and empathetic approach has clearly resonated. Goalkeeper Álex Remiro spoke with visible reverence: "Since we have been with Rino things have changed... We believe more in ourselves... He's very clear despite the language [barrier]." Matarazzo himself praised his squad's mentality, stating, "The team is very, very special."
For Matarazzo, the victory was a perfect initiation into the soul of his new city. "I'm going to watch the game, probably tonight," he said afterwards. "And then I can look forward to a special day in San Sebastián. I love rhythm, I love drums, so it's very fitting." The result, against all statistical probability, was a gift to the festival—a unique drumbeat of its own in a memorable La Liga season.
