Spanish journalists were satisfied with Real Sociedad’s performance in the match against Dynamo, as it significantly improved the Basques’ chances of advancing to the next round (at least, to the playoffs). They note the confident victory of the club from San Sebastián, despite the fact that Alguacil’s team entered this match without some key players. Local media praised Real Sociedad for their bright attacking play and for not retreating into defense in the second half, but continuing to play attacking football, striving to score as many goals as possible against Dynamo.
“The best match of Mikel Oyarzabal this season,” — a journalist from Diario Vasco notes the captain of Real Sociedad’s contribution to this important victory for the Spanish club. He also reminds readers why it was important to crush Dynamo in this match.
“Real Sociedad’s difficult start to this season left many questions among fans. It’s logical that everyone demanded a fight for the top places in La Liga and a successful performance in the Europa League. However, after the first months in San Sebastián, whispers began about how the team’s leaders were not showing their best football. And Imanol Alguacil was unable to unlock the potential of a team that had disappointed with its results in two tournaments. In the toughest moment, the captain of the team took responsibility. Mikel Oyarzabal made 7 decisive actions in the last 13 matches across all tournaments. Real Sociedad climbed to 6th place in La Liga and also began winning in the Europa League.
Winning against Dynamo was a must for a club that claims it wants to reach the top 8 in the Europa League. But before the match, several key players were unavailable for various reasons. In such moments, it is the captain who must lead the team. And he did! Mikel Oyarzabal had a standout match. He scored two goals and left the Ukrainians without a chance. The game was decided within half an hour. It is no wonder that the coaching staff decided to substitute the captain almost immediately after the break. Mikel left to the applause of the stands. Real Sociedad is recovering, and Oyarzabal has become the main hero of this difficult period.
“In a match of this kind, there is no place for mercy,” — a journalist from El Correo is confident that Real Sociedad had to take advantage of Dynamo’s problems to secure a confident victory and improve their chances of advancing to the Europa League Round of 16.
“This Thursday, Real Sociedad easily defeated Kyiv’s Dynamo in a match that will help the team from San Sebastián get closer to the Round of 16 in the Europa League. Oyarzabal’s double and Becker’s goal punished the Ukrainian team for excessive negligence in defense. The team led by Oleksandr Shovkovskiy could not match the “blue-whites,” who played for pleasure and enjoyed a “party” that improved their chances of advancing to the Round of 16, the final of which will take place on May 21 in neighboring Bilbao.
Imanol Alguacil’s players finish this matchday in twelfth place with 10 points, just one point away from the barrier that opens direct access to the Round of 16 after they climbed four positions in one go following a calm match, continuing their winning streak to five consecutive victories across all competitions. An excellent dynamic that contributes to Real Sociedad climbing higher and higher in the standings.
The problems faced by the Ukrainians are linked to the terrible conditions in which they are forced to play and train. At any moment, there can be a threat of air strikes from Russian troops, which bombard the Ukrainians, and their missiles hit hospitals, schools, and playgrounds. This partially explains Dynamo’s terrible results.
But for Real Sociedad, it was important to secure a confident victory in a tournament where goal difference can be decisive. In such a match, there is no place for mercy, although compassion for a war-torn nation does not allow for excessive joy over this victory. The ruthless result — 3:0 — left Kyiv’s Dynamo at the bottom of the table.
“Real Sociedad shocks the Ukrainians,” — a journalist from Berria reports that the “white-blue” team is almost guaranteed to continue their participation in the Europa League and continues to fight for direct advancement to the Round of 16. He names Oyarzabal, who scored two goals, as the best player of the match.
“Christmas is already near, and at this time of year many return to pleasant and warm feelings that can only be felt at home. In reality, there is no better place than home. Real Sociedad also confirmed today that they once again feel good at “Anoeta” and have completely overcome the poor streak that had haunted them at their home stadium this year. In fact, they secured their fourth victory in front of the fans' eyes. After Barcelona, Ajax, and Betis, it was Kyiv's Dynamo that left this stadium empty-handed in the Europa League yesterday: the Ukrainians lost 0:3. The “blue-whites” have won seven of the last eight matches played across all tournaments.
Imanol’s team is positioned twelfth in the Europa League standings. Thus, with two rounds left, Real Sociedad is still fighting for direct advancement to the Round of 16. Within the first half-hour, Oyarzabal scored two goals, and Becker — one. It was a full-blown party for the fans, who were thrilled with the events.
Dmytro Malyanov