Matarazzo turns to a back five vs Bournemouth

Real Sociedad return to Europa League after a year and a half away from European football and, this Wednesday at Anoeta, they kick off their campaign against Bournemouth with a clear tactical shift. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, head coach Rino Matarazzo is looking to “shake things up” by changing the team’s shape from the usual approach: it is the first time they start with five defenders.

A debut with a back five

The plan, according to the paper, is to set up a line of three centre-backs — Sarr, Jon Martín and Beitia — with two wide full-backs. The expected roles go to Héctor Fort, who gets his first start at Anoeta, and Sergio Gómez. A more lateral double-full-back look is not ruled out, but it’s described as less likely.

In goal, Mundo Deportivo points to Marrero as the option for the Europa League opener. In midfield, Turrientes partners Yangel Herrera after the former returns following two clean sheets.

The XI and the absences

Up front, the attack is built around Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal and Óskarsson. The starters miss Sucic and Kubo, who is on his third consecutive time coming off the bench.

The bench includes Remiro, Aihen, Gorrotxategi, Guedes, Ochieng, Kubo, Marín, Pacheco, Soler, Zakharyan, Sucic and Marchal, ready for any tactical tweaks if the game demands it.