In the autumn light of Åråsen, Pellegrino Matarazzo wants his side to turn a difficult Europa League trip into a statement of intent. After opening their continental campaign with a draw in Belgium, the Real Sociedad coach has made victory against Lillestrom in Norway the clear target.
Norwegian test carries weight
Matarazzo spoke warmly of Lillestrom’s rise, noting that the hosts had performed strongly in the second tier and have continued to collect results since reaching the top division. He expects a side with a distinct identity rather than a passive home opponent.
“Winning in Norway is essential,” Matarazzo said. “We drew in Belgium, so this is an important match.”
- Real Sociedad began their Europa League programme with a point in Belgium.
- Their next assignment takes them to Åråsen to face Lillestrom.
- Matarazzo has set the requirement plainly: his team must leave Norway with a win.
The coach did not see that expectation as a burden his players should avoid. Instead, he argued that pressure is part of competing at the required level, provided the team channels it with the right energy.
“We do not underestimate anyone, but pressure matters and we need to feel it,” he said. “If we do not feel it, we do not know where we are. We are positive, and if we find energy on the pitch, we will win.”
Wide threat and an unfamiliar press
Lillestrom’s pressing structure has been a major point of preparation. Matarazzo described a dynamic opponent who presses high, uses shapes less familiar to Spanish domestic football, and has quality on both wings.
The visitors will need to find routes through the first line of pressure while retaining possession once they have beaten it. Matarazzo also highlighted Lillestrom’s build-up, where they can create an extra player around the construction phase and bring three midfielders close to the ball.
- Lillestrom are particularly dangerous in wide areas.
- They can move the ball quickly outside after direct passes.
- Their established patterns combine possession work with aggressive pressure.
- Matarazzo believes they are effective in the situations they create and will not be easily surprised.
Rotation and a demand for performance
With more members of the squad recovering form and fitness, Matarazzo intends to freshen his starting side. He welcomed the selection problem created by players returning to contention, saying it is preferable to having too few options to rotate.
“It is important to make changes,” he explained. “A lot of players are back, connected and performing again. That lets us rotate. It makes my job harder, but I prefer that situation.”
For Matarazzo, however, the evening will not be judged only by the scoreline. He wants a recognisable performance: an early goal if possible, defensive concentration throughout, and a team acting with commitment, confidence and energy.
“We start at 0-0,” he said. “Scoring first is important, and so is protecting our goal in every phase. At the end we will see the result, but what I want first is a certain behaviour from the team.”
Defensive scrutiny and confidence in the direction
The coach also addressed criticism of recent defensive lapses, referring to the previous European outing against Málaga. He said the first goal conceded came when his side lacked defensive organisation and that the procedure had been poor. The second, he added, stemmed from an individual moment in the penalty area rather than a structural failure.
- The first Málaga goal followed a breakdown in defensive organisation.
- The second was, in Matarazzo’s view, an individual issue inside the box.
- He accepted that his side had a poor day defending their own area.
- He nevertheless insisted the team is improving and taking steps forward.
Matarazzo rejected the suggestion that his team’s recent attacking approach has become reckless. He acknowledged the need to reduce goals conceded, but pointed to a productive run in front of goal and positive results as evidence that the balance is working.
“We do not simply want to go forward without thinking,” he said. “We have been successful with the risk, scoring many goals and winning matches. People may feel there is no control, but I feel everything is under control.”
He added that adaptability remains central to his work, arguing that his squad has enough tools to respond to different opponents. Norway now offers the next test of that conviction: a demanding away night, a high press to solve, and no ambiguity about what Real Sociedad need from it.
