Athletic Club – Real Sociedad: La Real Take The Bragging Rights And The Trophy (0-1)

The long-awaited cup final between two Basque rivals promised to be an even duel on paper, and so it proved. Real Sociedad's playful 4-3-3 system shone through in terms of control of the ball but had to rely on a world-class play to pull away from a rugged Athletic Club outfit.

Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Of all the spectacles that the COVID-19 pandemic has deprived the world of, the 2020 Copa del Rey final was one of the best. Pitting Real Sociedad against Athletic Club, a matchup already full of flair, passion, and aggression, had the chance for silverware added to the mix. Yet despite the match going ahead a year on behind closed doors, the bite of the Basque derby still promised an enticing affair.

Marcelino set up Athletic Club in their usual 4-4-2 formation. Proudly fielding an all Basque outfit, he made two changes to the side that played in their last outing at home to Eibar. Both of these were in the midfield, as Unai Vencedor and Unai López made up the double pivot. Two central midfielders next to each other. But the manager would be looking to the likes of Iker Muniain and Iñaki Williams in the final third The one-third of the pitch that is closest to the opposition’s goal. to make the difference.

After the 6-1 mauling to Barcelona, Imanol Alguacil went back to a 4-3-3 shape. Nacho Monreal made a welcome return at the back, where Martín Merquelanz filled in on the left side last time out. Elsewhere, David . . .

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Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere (22) is an ardent Arsenal fan. He now writes as a journalist for several sites but his first love will always be BTP. [ View all posts ]

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