The victory matched Real Sociedad’s biggest European winning margin, with Sergio Gómez scoring twice, Luka Sučić also netting a brace, and Orri Óskarsson and Arsen Zakharyan completing the rout.
Matarazzo was especially pleased that his side maintained their intensity and continued searching for goals after establishing control. He also highlighted the contributions of substitutes and the competition for places within his squad.
“It was very important to win and to show our intentions from the first minute so we could take the victory. I think the players were fully present on the pitch, connected with the game and clearly eager to win. The start wasn’t easy because they pressed and built play in a different way, and we had to adapt. Even so, I’m very happy with the performance of all our players, both those who started and those who came off the bench. The competition within the team is excellent,” Matarazzo said.
The coach was encouraged by the hunger his players showed to extend the scoreline rather than settle for a comfortable victory.
“That is extremely positive and shows that we have continued to be ambitious. Another very positive aspect was how connected every player was to the game, not just those who started but also those who came off the bench. We saw Jon Pacheco play for the first time in quite a while and do very well, fitting naturally into the team. Pablo Marín also did well. There were positives throughout the squad, and there is a great deal of connection in the team right now.”
Matarazzo was also asked whether Real Sociedad’s performance could be described as “total football”, a phrase used by former club captain Xabi Prieto.
“I would say we are complete in our style. We have solutions in every phase of the game, and it is important to know how to adapt to what we need at each moment. Today was a good example of that. We are a team focused on finding solutions, with tremendous energy on the pitch.”
Mikel Oyarzabal was central to the result, providing assists for the first three goals after scoring twice against Málaga at the weekend. Matarazzo said there had never been any doubt that the captain would return to his best level following the World Cup and a demanding schedule.
“Mikel has enormous ambition and an immense desire to win and perform at his highest level. There was never the slightest doubt, either in my mind or anyone else’s, that he would reach that level again. He is already showing his quality consistently each week, and today he was fundamental for us with three assists.”
Real Sociedad’s emphatic win gives them a platform to build on in Europe, with Matarazzo’s emphasis on adaptability, collective effort and attacking ambition reflected throughout the performance.