La Liga 2020/21: Real Sociedad vs Granada – tactical analysis

Despite their efforts to postpone the game, Granada, who were on a good run themselves, had to face a red-hot Real Sociedad with a squad virtually made of their academy players. This, unfortunately, is the virus-ridden reality we live in and as LaLiga declined the away team’s pleading, there was only one way the clash was ever going to end.

This tactical analysis will look to dissect just how Real Sociedad got the better of Granada and what tactics were used by both sides. Given the circumstances, the analysis will mostly focus on the first half proceedings since the game as a contest was over even before it even started.

Lineups

Imanol Alguacil means business in 2020/21 and Real Sociedad are looking like real rivals for the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid this year. The gaffer decided to field a strong XI despite their opposition being immensely stripped down of quality and personnel. Álex Remiro started in goal and in front of him, a quartet consisting of Joseba Zaldúa, Aritz Elustondo, Robin Le Normand and Nacho Monreal was picked.

Higher up, La Real had David Silva and Mikel Merino either side of the pitch while Martín Zubimendi was usually the deepest of the midfielders. Finally, Adnan Januzaj, Willian José and Mikel Oyarzabal completed the front line.

Real Sociedad were deployed in a 4-3-3 formation.

Diego Martínez, on the other hand, had a really tough task of assembling his squad. Only seven first-team players were present in the squad and the starting XI had an average age of only 24. Ángel Jiménez was between the sticks and covered by Sergio Barcia, Pepe Sánchez, Kenedy and the only senior defender in the squad, the 20-year-old Nehuén Pérez.

Yan Brice Eteki and Isma Ruiz were deployed as the double-pivot and ahead of them, a trio consisting of Luis Suárez, Jorge Molina and Darwin Machís. Finally, Roberto Soldado was the lone striker on the day.