Basking in Basque Glory: Real Sociedad and the Wonders of San Sebastián

Welcome back to the series "Away Days" where our writers share their experiences of attending football matches not just in England, but also around the world. In this edition, I'll be revisiting my experience of attending a Real Sociedad game, whilst betraying the friendship of my dear friend Guillermo as they toppled Las Palmas (te pido perdón amigo!).

Spending Time in San Sebastián

Real Sociedad are a team based in Donostia-San Sebastián, a northern coastal city in the Basque Country of Spain. I visited the city whilst on my 3-month solo trip around Spain and Portugal, staying in the city for a few days following enjoying the delights of Bilbao.

Upon arriving in San Sebastián, I was immediately overwhelmed by the startling blue colour of the waters that surround the coastline. When the sun was shining, the water would dazzle in the sunlight, brightening up the already beautiful city. The bridge, the architecture, the beach, the sea, everything in San Sebastián compliments the array of green that surrounds the city. I often found myself taking long walks along the coast, taking in the wind and the sun whilst thinking to myself.

Another interesting dynamic of San Sebastián is it is one of the many cities along the El Camino. Historically a pilgrimage to the incredible cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, many pilgrims/hikers/cyclists follow the clearly signed routes in their droves. The curious thing about El Camino is each person does it for their own reason. Whether it is escaping the stress of work by spending weeks in nature, delving further into a passion of hiking or connecting with a high power, meeting individuals undergoing El Camino always bring about fascinating conversations.

In fact, I met an extremely interesting individual called Ronni, Co-author and host of "The World is Storytelling". A fascinating man, a type that I had never come across before, who was doing El Camino. We met in Oviedo and recorded a podcast together for his channel! Check it out here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0dzzk151EtKvnktYZVYp4i?si=94a856f4192b4149

Real Football at the Reale Stadium

Arriving at the stadium, fans had turned up in great numbers to see their boys in blue and white in action. I liked the atmosphere prior to and during the match. Both sets of fans were respectful of each other and in good spirits. I especially loved the Las Palmas fans who were dressed as bananas! Canarian bananas have been one of the biggest exports from the islands, hence the outfits!

Prior to kick-off, Sociedad fans were holding their scarves aloft, chanting in Euskera (unfortunately my Euskera is shocking). Fans had good reason to be happy as, at the time, their side were enjoying a solid season. Making it to the Copa del Rey semi-finals, Champions League Round of 16 and finishing the season in 6th, the club was progressing in a superb direction with lots of young talent breaking through.

Immediately, as the game started, Real Sociedad were in control against a struggling Las Palmas side. Los Amarillos were having a tricky season, fighting for survival, a stark contrast to Real Sociedad. Las Palmas did find themselves having some joy on counter-attacks, yet the imperious Alex Remiro in goal kept them out.

In the 33rd minute Sheraldo Becker delivered a dangerous ball into the six-yard area which was pushed by the keeper onto Alex Suárez, the ricochet ending up in the back of the net. As per the video below, we were all convinced André Silva had netted a much needed goal for himself, but it wasn't to be for the Portuguese.

The Real Sociedad faithful went crazy, as scarves started swirling around their heads to the chants of "lololololo". This was then followed by the Poznán, a celebration where fans turn around and start jumping up and down. Being on my own, I wasn't sure whether to join in, but 2 Real Sociedad fans embraced me as we jumped up and down, arms around each other. I appreciated the warm welcome from Real Sociedad fans - especially as I'm a guiri (foreigner, normally an English person), who was just looking to watch some La Liga football!

On the stroke of half-time, Becker, who had been a constant threat down the right-hand side, picked up the ball courtesy of some superb tight dribbling from Brais Méndez. From a tight angle, the Surinamese smashed the ball into the roof of the net, surprising the keeper. The same infectious celebrations ensued again as Real Sociedad were cruising.

The 2nd half didn't match the thrill of the 1st, despite some penalty claims and a disallowed stoppage time third for The Txuri-Urdin. A 2-0 win and a solid result for aa strong team, securing their place in the Europa League for the following season. You can see the match highlights below!

Sensational Result for Sociedad

Spending time in the Basque Country was incredible and I feel privileged to have been able to attend a football game in such a culturally rich region of Spain. The people of San-Sebastián were extremely welcoming both in and out of football. I'm sure I'll be returning to the city at some point in the future as it is a place of peace and tranquility for me!