Imanol's farewell from the Reale Arena couldn't have been more heartfelt. All eyes were on the manager from Orio, and the goals in Real Sociedad’s emotional win over Girona were all dedicated to him in his final home match. It was a tribute worthy of one of the most important coaches in the club's history.
With both teams playing without pressure in the standings, the match quickly opened up. Marín put La Real ahead with a header from a corner, only for Stuani to level soon after. Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot after Kubo was brought down, and the first half remained lively, with Kubo nearly adding a third just before the break with a spectacular volley. In the second half, Girona found the equalizer late through Portu — a name we remember fondly for his role in the Copa del Rey final. But just when it seemed the match would end in a draw, Arkaitz Mariezkurrena delivered a brilliant volley in stoppage time to seal the win on an unforgettable day.
The season isn’t over yet, but this was Imanol’s final act at the Reale Arena. He leaves behind a legacy of passion, identity, and beautiful football. Thank you, Imanol. You’ll always be one of us.
Match details:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré (Aramburu, min.65), Aritz, Zubeldia, Javi López (Mariezkurrena, min.81), Zubimendi, Marín (Turrientes, min.65), Brais Méndez (Sučić, min.58), Barrene (Sergio Gómez, min.58), Take and Oyarzabal (cap).
Girona FC: Krapyvtsov, Arnau, Francés, Krejci, Blind, Solís (Abel Ruiz, min.60), Herrera (Romeu, min.87), Iván Martín (Arthur Melo, min.61), Tsygankov (Danjuma, min.87), Asprilla y Stuani (cap) (Portu, min.69).
Goals: 1-0: Marín, min.5. 1-1: Stuani, min.10. 2-1: Oyarzabal, min.20. 2-2: Portu, min.77. 3-2: Mariezkurrena, min.91.
Referee: Ortiz Arias. Booked Traoré for Real Sociedad and Solís, Stuani and Arnau for Girona FC.
Attendance: 28,135 spectators.