Turrientes, I came, I saw and almost conquered

Matarazzo publicly challenged Turrientes to step up after reduced playing time, and the midfielder responded with an improved second-half display in Real Sociedad's continental match.

Real Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo delivered a direct public message to midfielder Beñat Turrientes on the eve of the Union Saint-Gilloise fixture, questioning his commitment despite his quality and noting that fellow midfielders Yangel and Soler were performing well. Turrientes, who was a regular starter last season but has seen his minutes drop sharply in the 2026/27 campaign, took the criticism to heart. The midfielder responded positively during the second half of the continental clash, helping Real Sociedad regain control after a difficult opening 45 minutes in which the team struggled defensively against the Belgian side's high press.