Real Sociedad's Newfound Goal-Scoring Form Under Matarazzo
La Real have found their shooting boots with 17 goals in 8 matches under new coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, with Oyarzabal leading the charge as attacking players rediscover form.
Real Sociedad are finally firing on all cylinders in front of goal, netting two or more in six of their last seven matches as Pellegrino Matarazzo’s appointment brings new attacking life to the Basque outfit.
Goals Galore
It’s fair to say La Real were having a right mare in front of goal before the American-German gaffer arrived. The drought that plagued the final months of Imanol Alguacil’s tenure continued briefly under caretaker Sergio Francisco, but Matarazzo seems to have found the key to unlock their attacking potential.
The numbers don’t lie:
- 17 goals in 8 matches under Matarazzo
- Multiple goals in 6 of their last 7 games
- Improved efficiency from shots to goals ratio
After a slow start in his debut match (just one goal from 18 attempts), things have steadily improved. Their 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Anoeta was particularly impressive - scoring twice from just seven shots while Barcelona fired off 25 without much joy.
Forward Line Finding Form
The most promising aspect is that La Real’s attacking players are finally delivering the goods. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal leads the way with 5 goals, showing why he’s the top boy at the club. Meanwhile, Gonçalo Guedes has contributed 4 strikes, with Brais Méndez and the returning Orri Óskarsson chipping in with 2 apiece.
Other contributors include Aramburu, Turrientes, Zubeldia and Sucic - showing the goals are coming from throughout the team.
Efficiency Improving
Matarazzo’s impact on their conversion rate has been telling. After struggling with efficiency early on, they’ve found their shooting boots in recent outings:
- Three goals from 10 attempts against Celta
- Three goals from 11 attempts at Mendizorroza against Alavés
- Repeated that same efficiency against Elche in the Copa del Rey
Only at San Mamés did they struggle to create chances, managing just one goal from eight attempts. They’ll be hoping for better when they return to Athletic Club’s ground in upcoming fixtures.
With this newfound combination of clinical finishing and perhaps a bit of the rub of the green, La Real are looking like a proper threat again. Their forward line is finally delivering the numbers that were missing earlier in the season. If they keep this up, a European push isn’t out of the question.