Real Sociedad: How far can they get?

[Juan]

The Txuri Urdin side has really surprised everyone with their great season start, and now they are even getting very important results, such as draws against Madrid and Depor. And, with the title challengers playing way below standard (with the exception of Valencia), the question is: Can they really end up champions?

One thing´s for sure: they won´t be relegation fodder like they have been the past three seasons. Although I think they seriously lack defensive power and good bench to end up champions (although in that last matter, not playing European competitions and being already out of the Copa del Rey helps), I think they should at least get a UEFA Cup ticket. Perhaps a Champions League one if they keep it up long enough.

[Bier]

Eurocup is possible without doubt. I even went as far as voting for CL. :star:

[BLAUGRANA]

Uefa Cup spot.

[Olesen10]

Well as they're playing right now, I would say CL as I did in my vote...:)

[Bier]

Noone to declare them champions yet?

[Azerkid]

CL spot

[gnlvagosov]

I think they might end up being champions as Madrid and Barca are nowhere to be seen....Valencia will eventually get tired and just concentrate on the CL, so Real Sociedad might end up wining the title, but if not then they would surely get a place in the CL.:D :evil:

[Esquireboy]

they will finish at first two and join to cl next year.
being champ. chance is %25

[JD]

I think La Liga CL spots will be
1) Valencia
2) Real Madrid
3) Sociedad
4) Barcelona
but obviously thats assuming they (RS) hold onto Kovacevic, Nihat, Karpin and De Pedro

[JD]

hmmm I may be changing my mind
Barca may be overtaken by SuperDepor
I don't think mallorca can maintain this form and betis are not consistent enough - Vigo could be another dark horse for a CL spot.
Importantly one of Valencia, Real, Depor or Barca could win the CL but finish outside the top4 (Real madrid denied Real Zaragoza a CL trip by doing this recently)

[gnlvagosov]

top 4 would be
1- Real Sociedad
2- Real Madrid
3- Valencia
4- Deportivo

but Barca will be in the CL next year...

[The Rule]

Originally posted by gnlvagosov
top 4 would be
1- Real Sociedad
2- Real Madrid
3- Valencia
4- Deportivo

but Barca will be in the CL next year...

no they won't

[The Rule]

Originally posted by JD
hmmm I may be changing my mind
Barca may be overtaken by SuperDepor
I don't think mallorca can maintain this form and betis are not consistent enough - Vigo could be another dark horse for a CL spot.
Importantly one of Valencia, Real, Depor or Barca could win the CL but finish outside the top4 (Real madrid denied Real Zaragoza a CL trip by doing this recently)

what....you changed your mind when you copped on that Barce suck this year??

[gnlvagosov]

Originally posted by The Rule
no they won't

oh yes they will

[tok87]

I voted 4 the chapions league spot, i dont think they can handel till the end. Real is favourit n°1 4 the trophy.

[The Rule]

Originally posted by gnlvagosov
oh yes they will

NO.........NO THEY THEY WON'T

[gnlvagosov]

Originally posted by The Rule
NO.........NO THEY THEY WON'T

your opinion, mine is different:)

[The Rule]

just explain to me how Barcelona will get into the CL next year,they are too far back to make it through the league and the have very little chance of winning the CL this season

[gnlvagosov]

little chance to win the CL, for goodness sake! they are undefeated! if anyone deserves to win the CL untill now it should be Barca!

[lili]

Originally posted by gnlvagosov
little chance to win the CL, for goodness sake! they are undefeated! if anyone deserves to win the CL untill now it should be Barca!

Ridicolous! They have to prove it till the final, same as all others, too. ;)

[lili]

Voted for CL spot. IMO they will end on third place in the league, behind Madrid and Deportivo, but before Valencia.;)

[tok87]

Originally posted by gnlvagosov
little chance to win the CL, for goodness sake! they are undefeated! if anyone deserves to win the CL untill now it should be Barca!

The real matches have 2 begin....and thats the knock out system....

[JD]

Xabi Alonso out for 6weeks and RS have some tough fixtures coming up.
Played Khoklov upfront against Malaga (Kovacevic suspended) strange decision I always saw khoklov as a midfielder
De Pedro's out (injured?) as well

after Malaga draw RS still unbeaten - who knows

[JD]

v good result last night against Valencia - 2-0 down and RS still got a draw
STILL unbeaten - Real sociedad the only team in a top league who can say that

[lili]

Originally posted by JD
v good result last night against Valencia - 2-0 down and RS still got a draw
STILL unbeaten - Real sociedad the only team in a top league who can say that

And that 2:0 for Valencia was a RS autogoal in the second case.;)

[barça]

Originally posted by lili
And that 2:0 for Valencia was a RS autogoal in the second case.;)

La Real should still consider themselves lucky. Carew scored a goal that was called back due to an inexistent foul, also there was a clear PK on Rufete that was not called. All in all, a great tie for them.

[tok87]

What an own goal :D :D :D :D :D :D

Just incredible :silly:

[barça]

Originally posted by tok87
What an own goal :D :D :D :D :D :D

Just incredible :silly:

It was that, incredible. A shame it happens to Aranzabal, whom I think is one of the best defenders today.

[lili]

Originally posted by tok87
What an own goal :D :D :D :D :D :D

Just incredible :silly:

Yeah, Aranzabal tryed to pass the ball into the empty goal like a schoolboy being on his first match.:rolleyes: :D ;)

[gnlvagosov]

Originally posted by tok87
What an own goal :D :D :D :D :D :D

Just incredible :silly:

poor guy

[tok87]

Originally posted by gnlvagosov
poor guy

I dont think hes poor gnlvagosov, ask him about his vage :silly:

[barça]

A big game this week against Celta de Vigo, who have lost Luccin for four weeks due to rough play (well deserved).

Vigo comes into this game with two losses in a row while La real comes with two draws.

Only two games left in the first half and La Real have yet to lose. Vigo and barcelona stand in their way of that feat. Amazing

[Juan]

Isn´t that Celta and Atletico?

[barça]

Originally posted by Juan
Isn´t that Celta and Atletico?

Ooopps you are right, I was thinking one thing and writing another.

[The Rule]

Hey GN,i'm just curious at the line-up for Juventus that you have as you signature,Zambrotta at left-back??Dude,what have you been :smoking: ????

[gnlvagosov]

he played that position against Reggina:D

[Lallou]

Most likely Uefa Cup IMO

[The Rule]

Originally posted by Lallou
Most likely Uefa Cup IMO

i'd agree with that

[lili]

Aren't there 4 spanish clubs playing CL?
In that case I stay at what I said before, they will be 4.th and playing CL next season.;)

[JD]

its true maybe Real Madrid can overtake them but how many points would sociedad have to drop in order for valencia, superdepor and barca to do it as well. and apart from them who else is there? mallorca, vigo i don't see it with mostovoi goin awol and mallorca over reliant on el rifle. When you consider all of those four clubs 9madrid, valencia,depor + barca) are still in the CL, AND could all get to theknock out stage - well thats a lot of games they have to play! Also when you and see how well sociedad have coped when they have missed xabi alonso and kovacevic - they hardly look like droppin points -still unbeaten!

[lili]

I don't see chances for Barca this year. They are far away, even if they win every single match, the others won't sleep in that time.
Barca could come on place 5, they missed to much.
We'll be first or second, Deportivo before or just after us, then Valencia and place 4 Sociedad.

Btw, what's going on with you and the Rule? Looks like a small war to me.;)

[lili]

Forgot to add, I don't believe Sociedad will keep that form. The season is long and it's simple impossible. As it is impossible for Barca playing that bad. Soon or later, the ball will turn.;)

[JD]

I agree they can' keep up that form (if they did it would be an unbeaten season!!- have real or barc even done that?) but if they retain similar standards they won't drop an amount of points that lets 4teams ovetake them. I think gaspart and LVG will have to leave for Barca to turn it around (and saviola and riquelme will have to start some games on the pitch not the bench!)
rule abuses me personally whenever I post - who knows y?

[gnlvagosov]

Originally posted by JD
I agree they can' keep up that form (if they did it would be an unbeaten season!!- have real or barc even done that?) but if they retain similar standards they won't drop an amount of points that lets 4teams ovetake them. I think gaspart and LVG will have to leave for Barca to turn it around (and saviola and riquelme will have to start some games on the pitch not the bench!)
rule abuses me personally whenever I post - who knows y?

it's his way to hit on you;) :silly:

[JD]

now I'm really scared
AND I HAVE TO GO TO ANFIELD NEXT WEDNESDAY!!

[gnlvagosov]

Ah don't worry he'll be busy with Houllier by then;) :D :silly:

[barça]

Originally posted by lili

Barca could come on place 5, they missed to much.
We'll be first or second, Deportivo before or just after us, then Valencia and place 4 Sociedad.



You think that the race for 1st is between Depor and Real Madrid? Depor is going to have it diffcult, they have 4 losses and are sitting 8 points behind Sociedad. Not much, but enough to be of concern. I think, at this point, that the Champion will come from Real Madrid or Valencia and Sociedad will have it difficult to lose the CL spot.

Barcelona is already 9 points behind the CL spot, they will need a miracle finish to get into the first 4 positions.

Even if Sociedad does not keep the current form, you are asking them to lose 4 more games than Depor with 19 games left. Difficult. Say Depor looses the same as the 1st half, then RS will have to lose 8 games out of 19.

[lili]

Originally posted by barça

[QUOTE]You think that the race for 1st is between Depor and Real Madrid?

Yes, I think so. Deportivo looks very stabil to me, more than Valencia, which has some realisation difficulties. Well, not in the last match, but it was more an exception to see 4 goals from them.

Depor is going to have it diffcult, they have 4 losses and are sitting 8 points behind Sociedad. Not much, but enough to be of concern. I think, at this point, that the Champion will come from Real Madrid or Valencia and Sociedad will have it difficult to lose the CL spot.

In all the teams some unexpected things can happen, we saw it at Madrid in the season beginning. Valencia really looks weak to me. Since they sold Mendieta, they aren't as strong as they used to be. Sociedad will fall down, no doubt, but place 4 should be reality for them.

Barcelona is already 9 points behind the CL spot, they will need a miracle finish to get into the first 4 positions.

They have to change the coach, it's obviosly. They aren't a bad team, but LVG tactics suck. And they need refreshment, before all in defence . Puyol can't do everything alone.
Miracles don't happen I'm afraid. Barca has to win immediately if they want to be in charge for european club competitions.

Even if Sociedad does not keep the current form, you are asking them to lose 4 more games than Depor with 19 games left. Difficult. Say Depor looses the same as the 1st half, then RS will have to lose 8 games out of 19.

They will loose just one and Madrid wins and things can change. Enough, they draw in some matches and Deportivo wins the next ones.
But it's all theorie. We will see how things will develope.;)

[barça]

Originally posted by lili
Valencia really looks weak to me. Since they sold Mendieta, they aren't as strong as they used to be.


Lili, nice post except for this. Valencia since they sold Mendieta all the did was WIN La Liga. Nothing more!

But as you say, we will have to wait and see. I can't see Sociedad lossing as many as 8 games in the 2nd half (although today they lost Karpin for three weeks). That would be more than disastrous. The new coach is a good one that has brought some calm to the team. I know that I simplified the math, did not include ties and so on. I just think that with 4 losses and Sociedad, with none, Madrid with just 1... well, we will see.

The Barcelona situation is more than difficult, as much as I hate to admit it.

[Juan]

I think the final sprint will be between Madrid and Valencia. Real might be there too, but it depends on how they do between now and March.

They lost Karpin? Well, they are expected to recover Xabi Alonso this month or in early February, so this few weeks may be crucial.

[The Rule]

Originally posted by JD
[/B] rule abuses me personally whenever I post - who knows y? [/B]

AH, are you going to cry now??if i "attack" you it's because you only ever post crap,in fact i rate your posts and opinions right up there with the great IL Fenomeno and everyones pal MONKEYLOVER03.
i hope you have a nice time at anfield(a chance for you to watch a game in a great stadium,rather than that barn you go to every other week),no doubt you'll have a few expert views after the game.enjoy sitting in the shitty end of the ground,might be an idea to hide your scarf after the game,the locals aren't too fond of southerners,especially when they follow whinger's boys

GN,you again show your humour.

[lili]

Originally posted by barça
Lili, nice post except for this. Valencia since they sold Mendieta all the did was WIN La Liga. Nothing more!



I know that, but with Mendieta they played CL finals not being LaLiga champions, did you forget?
Don't want to complicate, but I think they played better with him, Mendieta did a great job in midfield and scored. Their playing was much more efficient.
Can't help myself, I like that guy.;)

[lili]

Originally posted by The Rule
AH, are you going to cry now??if i "attack" you it's because you only ever post crap,in fact i rate your posts and opinions right up there with the great IL Fenomeno and everyones pal MONKEYLOVER03.

That's your opinion, Rule. Point is we are telling our opinions, which is very subjective and we have different, cause we are different people here.
You have always the option to chat with people you like more and just ignore posts you dislike.
But stop with that offending people, who don't share your opinion, please.

[JD]

I can't believe Valencia haven't bought a striker - if they were to buy back Lopez from lazio (Carew and Lopez - little and large, pace and power) they could score SO many goals - lili is right the 4goals the other night were an exception.
They have one of (imo the) best defences in Europe (Milan clubs and Juve are both solid as well but Pellegrino and Ayala know each other so well now they shade it for me).
Aimar can create even more than Mendieta (who I admit they do still miss) with some extra goal power they could almost guarantee la liga imo.
I still think they are at least as good as superDepor (who are more liable to losing games in which they dominate) when valencia are the better team they virtually always win - which hasn't been the case for depor

Ultimately imo the power of Madrid will be too much for everyone
but valencia have such a strong unit they should challenge them

- if only rafa wasn't quite so defensive minded (especially against the smaller clubs in laliga) when at the mestalla they should play Aimar AND two strikers and really go out to destroy teams.

oh and rule its not the first time I've been to Anfield and, as per usual, I'll wear my colours proudly. in my experience Liverpool fans are a lot less agressive when face to face -
it's a easier to be tough over the internet.

[rshepherd1000]

how well xabi alonso plays on his return will be the critical factor, as well as whether they can deal with an injury to kovacevic or nihat

i think itll be between sociedad and betis for the 4th spot, although who knows what barca can achieve with a little boardroom tinkering!

[barça]

Originally posted by JD
I can't believe Valencia haven't bought a striker

Yeah, all they have done so far is win La Liga last year, be in third place this year and have an excellent CL campaign so far. All this by making a lot of maoney and keeping their payrolls lower than everyone else.

Originally posted by JD
They have one of (imo the) best defences in Europe (Milan clubs and Juve are both solid as well but Pellegrino and Ayala know each other so well now they shade it for me).
- if only rafa wasn't quite so defensive minded (especially against the smaller clubs in laliga) when at the mestalla they should play Aimar AND two strikers and really go out to destroy teams.


I must admit, I don't understand your point. You say they have one of the best defenses of Europe (I agree by the way) but you don't want them to play defensively. If I have the best defenses then that is what I would focus on. Again, all they did was win. What else do you want?

Originally posted by JD
I still think they are at least as good as superDepor

At least as good? So far they have proven to be a lot better.

[lili]

In my opinion not. They are much better in defence than in attacking. Just watch how many chances they need to score(good example the match with Ajax in CL). Clearly shows, they don't have a talented striker. And teams which are defence oriented aren't succesfull on longer term. I would choose Deportivo before Valencia, cause they simply are more efficient in the scoring point and play way more atractive. ;)

[JD]

my point is defensive play will only get u so far - obviously when playing Real, barca or Depor it is fair enough for Benitez to concentrate on defence but Huelva or rayo at the Mestalla? cut loose and give them a beating!
when real had helguera s/o in the derby they didn't even change their personnel! ok makelele dropped off abit but they basically carried on with Hierr as their only centre back! Going out to win games rather than to not lose (I know real ended up conceding that unlucky Albertini goal but the attitude remains) is what wins titles.

Valencia are well in control of their wage bill - so why not take advantage of Lazio who aren't and take back a great player. Valencia lack real pace upfront - they have the power of Carew and the trickery of Aimar, with some serious pace they could expose any defence. they did win laliga last year but Real, barca and Depor disapointed by their normal standards - I mean baraja was their top scorer! I think they will need a topscorer with more than 6 to retain laliga this year.

rshepherd is right that RSoc cannot afford to lose nihat or Kovacevic (Khoklov didn't convince me in the strikers role) but they have stayed unbeaten despite already missing key players like Xabi Alonso (as u mention), kovacevic and De Pedro for several games.

laliga could go right to the wire!

[gnlvagosov]

Originally posted by The Rule

GN,you again show your humour.

that's what im here for;)

[The Rule]

Originally posted by JD
oh and rule its not the first time I've been to Anfield and, as per usual, I'll wear my colours proudly. in my experience Liverpool fans are a lot less agressive when face to face -
it's a easier to be tough over the internet.

i wasn't talking about the people inside the ground.less agressive??you don't know many people from Liverpool do you,last year a group of Everton fans left 3 Arsenal fans in hospital after the Liverpool-arsenal game.i wasn't threatening you,i was warning you to be careful

[JD]

I wasn't talking about inside the ground either
I went to Goodison in colours this season (although the locals were a lot more cheerful after the game than I would have liked)
and I'll do the same at anfield
I'm proud to be an Arsenal fan and I'm not scared of a few idiots - in my experience if u don't go looking for trouble u'll b ok (zipped my coat right up outside Shite tart Lane mind u)

[funky6]

I wish they are champions in the end of the season.

[soccer fanatic]

At the start I thought, they can never keep this form up, but if you can keep it up for half a season, I see no reason why they can`t keep it up for the whole season.

Since Barca won`t win it, I hope Sociedad will make it.
They atleast earn a European spot IMO, for this remarkable run in comparison with last season.
I think they will get CL qualification, I also think they will remain too play good but will fail too become champion, Real Madrid will win.

[The Rule]

Originally posted by JD
I wasn't talking about inside the ground either
I went to Goodison in colours this season (although the locals were a lot more cheerful after the game than I would have liked)
and I'll do the same at anfield
I'm proud to be an Arsenal fan and I'm not scared of a few idiots - in my experience if u don't go looking for trouble u'll b ok (zipped my coat right up outside Shite tart Lane mind u)

there's a difference between the peoplw who are inside the ground and those who aren't allowed inside,that's all i'm saying,the same group of scum are normally waiting outside the anfield road end looking for some easy targets,and they view the "soft southerners"as easy targets"

[barça]

La Real have another great opportunity to put some pressure onto El Real. Their game at Atletico has been scheduled for Saturday and will be the free Television game for the country. Last game of the 1st half and they can cap an undefeated first.

[JD]

I hope Sociedad do manage to go unbeaten - but atletico's team of mallorca and Milan cast-offs has some proper spirit as they showed at the bernabeu.

p.s. rule - lucky I'm not one then

[rshepherd1000]

another win for sociedad

another dive from torres

westerveld played superb again, as did de pedro and kovacevic. xabi alonso still doesnt look 100%

btw - anyone else think that de pedro shot crossed the line? linesman was too far away to see it

[barça]

Another goal for Kovacevic. Only 21 goals between Nihat and Kovacevic.

Dive by Torres, I am going to start calling him Inzagui or Totti.

Is hard to believe why westerveld was let go by Liverpool.

[funky6]

Why Totti?He can't even be compared to Pippo in this matter.

I remember the Ferrer season when Barça were winning in Sociedad's home with 6-0 in the halftime:(

[barça]

Originally posted by funky6
Why Totti?He can't even be compared to Pippo in this matter.


To annoy Italianboy:evil: :D

[lili]

Originally posted by barça
To annoy Italianboy:evil: :D

How can you?:rolleyes: :D

Btw, Inzaghi and Totti should better play waterpolo!;)

[barça]

Today I am even more amazed at what Real Sociedad have been able to accomplish. These guys have not won a title in 20 years, were fighting all of last season for survival and finish the 1st half undefeated.

Denoueix, where did this guy come from? I admit I know nothing of French football, but talk acbout coming from no where. Valencia and Depor already with four losses better watch out.

La Real and El Real are looking at 1-2 and the rest is up for grabs, but is hard to see Sociedad loosing four more games than the others. Ties not inlcuded.

[Juan]

Winter champions, still undefeated... :shocked:

Well, Denoueix came from Nantes, where he won Le Championnat in 00/01, and sacked the season afterwards. Wish he was coaching your lot, huh?

[barça]

I wish someone else would coach the team, at this point I kind of don't care where he comes from.

[barça]

As the second half gets under way, La Real confronts perhaps their most difficult game, the Basque derby being played in La Catedral. A game that is great to watch in any season, now becomes must see.

The derby gets even hotter, nothing that Bilabao would like more than to take away the undefeated streak of Sociedad.

Game of the week. After that, the Atletico - Barcelona one is the most interesting. Another great week to be a La Liga fan.

[soccer fanatic]

Lets hope it will also be a great week too be a Barca fan.
Think we deserve that.

[VAN BASTEN]

De Pedro's deliberate stamp on Javi Gonzalez (in the Basque derby)was a disgrace. I hope he's punished by the Spanish FA

[barça]

He should be, DePedro actually apologized after the game.

[Juan]

Ironic, that a player formed in Real, did the most in taking their undefeated run.

[Hizbollah]

My prediciton for the LaLiga title is Real Sociedad. They are damn impressive and have a great coach. I think their key to success is the strong unity in the team and besides that, Nihat and Kovacevic is the best striker duo in spain right now. My pick for the final league table:

- Real Sociedad
- FC Valencia
- Real Madrid
- Deportivo LaCoruna
- Betis Sevilla
- FC Barcelona
- Atlético de Madrid
- Celta Vigo

[Juan]

So, you see Atletico climbing a lot of positions...

[barça]

Well, this has become the offical Real Sociedad thread.

A gutsy win by Sociedad, with two very unusual gifts by the Osasuna defenders. The added pressure of the Madrid win and the officiating mistakes of the week before.

Back in 1st place and look to be back on track.

All the big ones won.

[JD]

oh dear is this the beginning of the end? valladolid 3 rs 0
some tragic defending
what has happened to xabi alonso?!?

[Moon-Star]

if sociedad beats r.madrid,they can handle the championship...
also some big teams started to bid for nihat and kovacevic..i hope this doenst effect their mood and they can give all their brain to the matches.

[JD]

this is the last season Sociedad will have xabi alonso, di pedro, karpin and most importantly kovacevic and nihat in the same team.

Denouix could also easily be tempted away (a brilliant coach at developing youth teams - pity if he moves quicky will be hard to guage his longterm impact)
In fact just thinkin he could be perfect as a Fergie replacement. manure poach all the best brit youngsters already if the frenchman could actually bring a nother crop through...

[Moon-Star]

Originally posted by JD
this is the last season Sociedad will have xabi alonso, di pedro, karpin and most importantly kovacevic and nihat in the same team.

Denouix could also easily be tempted away (a brilliant coach at developing youth teams - pity if he moves quicky will be hard to guage his longterm impact)
In fact just thinkin he could be perfect as a Fergie replacement. manure poach all the best brit youngsters already if the frenchman could actually bring a nother crop through...

exactly....i am worried about sociedad squad for the next year.the key player may be shared by big teams.
manchester is already interested in NIHAT....

hey JD,you forgot to write Westerveld .he's a skilful gk in my view...mostly in penalties...

[JD]

yeah u r right I forgot sander westerveld
another player sacrificed as a scapegoat by Hooflier - like Ginola for France
Hooflier's blame (anyone but me) culture
is continuing to embarass him