Aihen Muñoz returns for Real to stop Otorbi’s surge

Aihen Muñoz returned to action for Real Sociedad after a month without minutes. As Mundo Deportivo reports, the Navarrese full-back hadn’t played at all since the competition’s opener, on August 21, at La Cartuja against Real Betis, where he only saw 18 minutes.

A month in the spotlight

His comeback came in the match vs Valencia. The paper explains that Pellegrino Matarazzo introduced him in the 68th minute, using him due to an urgent tactical need: to give Sergio Gómez relief, who was running out of gas and suffering on the left side.

The trouble on that flank had a clear culprit: Otorbi. After the break, the Valencia attacker completely disrupted Real’s defensive setup, repeatedly tormenting Sergio Gómez with a constant stream of carries, strength and direct challenges.

Putting out the fire

With the game approaching its decisive stretch, bringing on Muñoz aimed to calm things down and slow the winger’s momentum. Mundo Deportivo highlights that the full-back delivered with positioning, physical control and know-how, winning most of the one-on-one duels and bringing back defensive balance to the left.

Even though Otorbi continued to create occasional danger thanks to his flair, the advanced stats showed Muñoz’s immediate effect: he was beaten only once in the final phase. According to the report, it helped Real hold their ground at Mestalla and also strengthened his case within the squad rotation.