Mikel Oyarzabal, captain of Real Sociedad, has spoken out following the Copa del Rey match against Real Madrid, where some fans targeted Raúl Asencio with derogatory chants, including the command to "muérete" ("die"). The atmosphere of the match became overshadowed by these incidents, prompting Oyarzabal to address the situation.
Oyarzabal, who came under personal scrutiny for his performance as well, condemned the actions, stressing, "We condemn the insults. We don’t like them. There are other ways to condemn the acts someone might have done, but this is not the way.” His words came during his post-match interview with Movistar Plus.
Reflecting on the broader fan behavior, Oyarzabal remarked, “What some sing does not tarnish the rest of the fans,” insisting on the importance of maintaining respect both within and outside the stadium. He urged fans to express discontent through more positive and constructive methods instead of resorting to offensive chants.
The match itself saw Real Sociedad face Real Madrid at their home ground, Reale Arena, with the game checked by incidents of racist gestures directed at Vinicius Jr., which necessitated referee intervention and stadium announcement warnings. This unfortunate behavior has reignited discussions on the responsibility of fans and clubs to promote inclusivity and respect.
On the sporting front, Oyarzabal expressed disappointment over the match outcome, noting, "They don’t forgive you at the slightest chance they have. We didn’t play to lose; we deserved at least a draw." His frustration was palpable as he acknowledged the team's missed opportunities to score, adding, “We were close to taking something positive. A pity we didn’t get something positive.”
The match ended with Real Sociedad falling just short, losing 1-0 to Real Madrid, thanks to a lone goal from Endrick. Despite the defeat, Oyarzabal remains optimistic about the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, expressing, "We believe we can do well at the Bernabéu. We have to make the most of our chances and arrive as prepared as possible."
He emphasized the collective strength of the team, hinting at their capability to turn things around and reach the final, indicating, "We are 90 minutes away from playing another final. We will strive to perform to the best of our abilities." Oyarzabal’s remarks reflect both the hope and determination within the club, balancing the sporting outcome with the urgent call for progress against negative fan behaviors.