The Royal Society made history this Sunday by sealing their qualification for the Women’s Champions League for the first time in their history. The txuri-urdin team has experienced a dream season in the First Iberdrola that he can still close with the achievement of a subchampionship from which only one point separates him. Here’s a look at some of the key factors behind this success:
1) Natalia Arroyo. The Catalan coach, with a contract until 2024, is the great architect of the success of a Real Sociedad team that has managed to qualify for the top European competition with two games remaining with its 4-0 victory over Rayo. “I like that it happened like this. This match is a model match of what it has been all year”, stated Arroyo at the end of the clash. The one from Esplugues de Llobretag has transferred its idea of good football to its players to perfection.
2) An offensive team. 60 so many in favor in 28 games played make Real the third team with the highest scorers in the Primera Iberdrola, only behind Barça and Atlético. That is, the second most accomplished among the ‘deadly’ teams.
3) Winning streak away from home. Although the txuri-urdin have achieved eight league victories at home, where they have made a difference has been away. 12 away wins and only two losses in a total of 14 matches away from home they make Real Sociedad the second most reliable team away from home. Behind, of course, Barça.
4) Talent and youth pull the car. Elena Lete, Ana Tejada, Emma Ramírez, Ane Etxazarreta, Mirari Uria and, above all, Amaiur Sarriegi and Nerea Eizagirre. Scorers yesterday, a hat-trick from the first and a great goal, another one, from the second, both have led Real Sociedad in their historic season and have practically settled in the National Team. Amaiur has scored 16 goals and distributed 8 assists in the league, while Eizagirre has scored 14 goals and distributed another 5.
5) A smart defense. If talent in midfield and attack is added to an intelligent defensive line, the result is, of course, a success like the one achieved. And it is that Real is the second least reprimanded team in the category, with only 25 yellow cards and a single direct red. It is to celebrate it and give it continuity.