The season ended with a 1–1 draw against Espanyol, a result that did little to lift spirits but captured the campaign in miniature: moments of competence, lapses of concentration, and a team that had already checked out mentally. A historic Copa del Rey triumph provided genuine glory, European qualification was secured, yet the league table does not lie. Tenth place, 46 points, a negative goal difference. That is nowhere near good enough for a club of Real Sociedad's ambitions.
This was not a week of celebration. It was a week that laid bare where La Real stand.
The women lead where the men stalled
The women's team delivered the weekend's brightest moment. A 2–0 win over Atlético de Madrid, goals from Lucía Pardo and Cecilia Marcos, and a Champions League qualifying berth secured. (1) (2) It is a genuinely historic achievement. While the men's side stumbled through the final weeks of a disjointed league campaign, the women's team seized their moment. The contrast is instructive: one squad played with purpose, the other with relief that the season was over.
The numbers behind Óskarsson's breakout
Orri Óskarsson finished the league season scoring in three consecutive matches. The broader picture is even more striking. His conversion rates across the campaign place him ahead of some of the biggest names in European football when measured by chance efficiency, a statistic that has drawn attention far beyond Donostia. (4) Matarazzo found a striker who fits his system, sharp in the box with instincts that cannot be coached. The risk is obvious: numbers like these attract offers. The club will need to decide whether Óskarsson is the foundation or a saleable asset.
Remiro speaks out
Álex Remiro's exclusion from Spain's World Cup squad left a mark. He addressed it directly: "I spoke with the manager, I'm sad." The honesty was refreshing. He also confirmed Barcelona's interest and did not shy away from it, adding that he will support Spain while never closing doors. (8) (9) (10) Remiro has been one of the few pillars of consistency in an erratic side. Losing him this summer, whether to the national team snub or to a transfer, would be a blow Matarazzo can ill afford.
Protecting the academy
The club's strategy is increasingly transparent: identify, develop, lock down. Jon Martin, the young centre-back drawing interest from across Europe, is now tied to a €60m release clause through 2031. Ibai Aguirre has also extended to 2031. Matarazzo is working with sporting director Erik Bretos on squad planning, reportedly using his Eintracht Frankfurt project as a template, a model built on young, athletic, tactically disciplined players. (7) (8) (11) The framework is in place. Whether it translates to league performance is the only question that matters.
What to watch
The summer will be defined by two things: who leaves and who arrives. Remiro's situation is live. Óskarsson's profile is rising. And Matarazzo's Frankfurt-inspired rebuild needs to produce a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, because Copa del Rey success has bought goodwill but not patience. The women's Champions League qualifier will also demand attention. For now, the season ends with a cup in the cabinet and a league table that demands honesty. Tenth is not where this club belongs.