Aihen Muñoz is left wanting in Txapela final for Real Sociedad

Aihen Muñoz, Real Sociedad’s full-back, got his chance to stake a claim in the Txapela final, but the match ended 0-1 against Athletic Club at Anoeta. The Navarre native started for the first time in a long time, as Pellegrino Matarazzo used the international break lull to give him some playing time.

Up to that point, his involvement had been scarce: after eight fixtures across LaLiga and the Europa League, he was mainly used off the bench late in games. In the final, the lack of competitive rhythm showed, with sloppy basics and hesitant decisions.

Started, but didn’t take over

His closest moment came when he latched onto a rebound inside the area and fired the ball into the net, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

The switch at 58 minutes

Muñoz was replaced in the 58th minute by Sergio Gómez. The contrast was stark: the Catalan looked far better in technical execution, game reading and attacking impact, doing little to suggest Muñoz can challenge him for the spot, according to Mundo Deportivo.