Real Sociedad return to Europe after 10-year gap

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Real Sociedad return to Europe after 10-year gap

(Xinhua) 19:42, September 16, 2013

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The city of San Sebastian is getting excited as Real Sociedad prepare to return to the Champions League 10 years after the Basque club last played in the tournament.

A lot has happened over the past 10 years, including a painful spell in the Spanish second division, but last season saw Real Sociedad finish fourth in the BBVA Primera Liga under the guidance of Philippe Montanier.

Montainer opted to leave at the end of last season, taking up an offer to coach back in France and the club took the brave, but potentially risky decision to appoint his former assistant, Jagoba Arrasate to replace him.

Arrasate may be just 35 years old and the second youngest coach in the Spanish top-flight, but in a club that basis its squad on players who have progressed through the youth system, he has the advantage of knowing the club and those players well, having worked with them virtually all of his career.

The risk paid dividends when Real Sociedad cruised by Olympique Lyon in the play-offs to book their place in a group alongside Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen and Shakhtar Donetsk, who visit the Anoeta Stadium on Tuesday.

Real Sociedad have enjoyed a decent if unspectacular start to the season, and are eighth in the table with five points and just one, slightly unfortunate defeat to Atletico Madrid to block their copybook.

However, Europe is something difference and Shakhtar, although perhaps not one of the most glamorous sides in the competition have a host of European experience, making it into the knockout stage last year before being defeated by eventual finalists, Borussia Dortmund.

They are unbeaten in 27 home matches in the Ukrainian league, but have only won twice in their last eight games away from home in Europe.

Real Sociedad goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo believes playing the first game at home is a big advantage for his side as it ensures an impressive atmosphere in Anoeta, but he warns that starting their European campaign at home with a trip to Germany in the second group game, means there is pressure to get points in the bag quickly.

Striker Haris Seferovic was rested at the weekend and the recent arrival, who will partner Carlos Vela in attack, could make a big impact in the game as Arrasate looks for his side to start their European campaign with three points.

（Editor：YanMeng、Gao Yinan）