The Quiet Heroes

Fans at Anoeta saw six goals last Sunday. Three were scored by one of the biggest if not the biggest football club in the world, Real Madrid, but the other three were scored by Real Sociedad that will add to the growing sense of belief that echoes around San Sebastián these days.

This season of the Liga BBVA is the 10th since La Real took everyone by surprise and finished second in La Liga, just two points behind Real Madrid. If we look back the squad from those times we find the forward pairing of Darko Kovacevic and Nihat Kahveci which was supported by a young Xabi Alonso, while Dutchman Sander Westerveld kept the goals out on the other end of the pitch.

Now, ten years later, there are several parallels to that season. Real Sociedad has been to the second division and back since then, but it now sits fifth in La Liga with only two points behind Valencia. One more game is left to be played in La Liga and Valencia undoubtably will face the harder opponents in FC Sevilla. Real Sociedad will face Deportivo who currently still face the threat of relegation. The club and its fans are dreaming of a return to their Champions League days. Raynald Denoueix, a Frenchman, was the manager that last took Sociedad to that particular promised land, and it is another French coach, Phillipe Montanier, who has them back on the verge of European competition.

Now many people will think that this Spanish side probably features some sort of star-ensemble. However, this is not the case. Much as they did a decade ago, La Real continues to use hard work and teamwork to supplement a roster bereft of true star power. The age is certainly on La Real's side as well. The oldest player in the ranks of this squad is Ion Ansotegi who is 30 years old. Real Sociedad are known for their investment in locally sourced youngsters, and this edition of La Real are not short of prodigious talents.


If La Real manage to clinch the fourth spot and qualify for the Champions League next season it would be a true success story. One that does not involve big investors or star players but rather one of a team filled with young talent and a coach who put together the pieces to form this masterpiece of a team. Even if they "only" place fifth it will not dampen this seasons performance. In the shadow of the big Spanish club, the quiet heroes of San Sebastian have risen up to take their rightful spot in La Liga.