On February 9, 2024, Real Sociedad played against Espanyol at home, achieving a much-needed victory with a scoreline of 2-1. This win was particularly significant as it marked the end of Sociedad's three-match losing streak, giving the players and fans fresh hope as they aim to reposition themselves favorably within La Liga.
Ken Kenzo, the Japanese midfielder, started the match on the bench due to the hectic schedule the team faced, having played just two days prior against Osasuna in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. Sociedad was eager to carry the momentum from their cup victory, but were also mindful of their upcoming Europa League playoff against Midtjylland.
The match began with astonishing excitement; within only 38 seconds, forward Shirald Becker found the net with a crisp volley after cutting through Espanyol's defense. The early goal put Real Sociedad up 1-0, instantly energizing their supporters at the Reale Arena.
Despite their promising start, Sociedad struggled to maintain momentum and allowed Espanyol back onto level terms shortly after halftime. A foul from defender Naif Aguerd resulted in Javi Puado successfully converting a penalty kick, leveling the game at one apiece. This pressured the home side, who needed to regain their composure swiftly.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Coach Imanol Alguacil made strategic substitutions, introducing key players to boost their attack, including Ken Kenzo, who came on for Becker at the 76th minute. This strategic shift seemed to energize the team's play.
Within moments of his introduction, Kenzo contributed significantly by delivering precise crosses and maintaining ball possession, helping to reshape the looming defeat. This not only revitalized Sociedad's attacking force but also set up the sequence leading to the winning goal.
Then, with only minutes left on the clock, Kenzo's presence paid off. A well-aimed cross by Aguerd found John Ander Olasagasti, who expertly played it to Brys Mendez. Mendez, fresh off the bench, executed a clever chip shot over the keeper to secure the game with the final goal, eleviting Sociedad to victory at 2-1.
Local media heaped praise on Ken Kenzo, noting, "Despite limited playing time, Ken displayed commendable play, having notable impacts on the game." His energetic entrance and ability to create opportunities reaffirmed his importance within the squad. The match details highlight his appearance as impactful, enhancing the team's playstyle.
Real Sociedad's triumph not only improves their overall morale but also lifts them momentarily to seventh place on the league table. The coaching staff, led by Coach Alguacil, expressed cautious optimism, with Alguacil stating, "The important thing is the next match," emphasizing the need to focus on their upcoming challenges and not bask too long on this victory.
Looking forward, Sociedad aims to build on this positive result as they prepare for their encounter with Midtjylland, hoping to see both Ken Kenzo's and the team's performance continue to improve. Soccer analysts will be closely watching how Kenzo integrates moving forward, especially as he seeks to cement his position and contribution within the squad. It will be intriguing to see if Kenzo’s performance can help propel Sociedad back toward the upper echelons of La Liga and secure success on the European stage.