Real Sociedad send their UEFA Europa League A list

Real Sociedad are getting ready for their Europa League opener, the Thursday 17 September match at Anoeta against Bournemouth, and they have ticked off the key administrative step: the Basque club has submitted its A list to UEFA, with the deadline set for this day, according to Mundo Deportivo.

To make everything fit with a deep squad and several young players, the club had to follow the competition’s rules. The A list is the one used to compete in the tournament up to the knockout stages, and it must include at least eight homegrown players. The B list can be adjusted for each game and is more flexible, as it can include players born from 2005 onwards.

Tweaks to make it work

The standout decision is that Real left Jon Martín out of the A list, using his age to make him eligible for the B list instead. That opening allowed the club to include in the A list other youngsters who fit the relevant age window: Luken Beitia, Aitor Fraga and Alex Lebarbier (registered in the A list for being born in 2004, 2003 and 2004).

In the end, Real filled all 25 slots in the A list. As Mundo Deportivo explains, 22 members of the first team are included, with two main exceptions: Jon Martín and Álvaro Odriozola. The latter is sidelined with an injury, and even if he returns he would only be available from at least the knockout stage, unless the club decides otherwise—meaning someone else would have to be dropped.

This also clarifies some usage expectations in Europe. As Mundo Deportivo notes, Matarazzo is not expected to use Balda and Rupérez at any point in the competition, and Kita is likewise not included due to the list rules (he cannot be added to the B list under the relevant eligibility conditions).