Real Sociedad are targeting six wins out of six to make their European dream come true, starting against Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.
Just one in six games have left La Real outside the top six in La Liga, while their previous meeting with Depor ended in a damaging 5-1 defeat, yet Eusebio Sacristan is confident of a timely return to form for the Basques.
“We have six games left and we want to win them all, that should be our objective,” the Coach said at a Press conference.
“We’ll try to continue in line with our campaign, focusing on the next game but while respecting all our opponents. Thinking beyond [our next game] doesn’t help us.
“We want to live special and beautiful moments here, and our immediate objective is to qualify for European competition next year, but we must focus on this match with an eye on the special days that may lie ahead.”
On-loan Southampton striker Juanmi is eligible again for La Real after fulfilling his one-match ban, whereas Depor seemingly need one more win to secure their top-flight status, although they travel to Anoeta without midfield general Pedro Mosquera due to a recurring thigh injury.
“Eusebio has done one hell of a job,” gushed his opposite number Pepe Mel.
“After Jagoba Arrasate came [David] Moyes and Real Sociedad went through a spell in which things didn’t go very well, but with Eusebio, they’re at the gates of Europe.
“La Real can’t afford to stumble and that makes them dangerous. They’re a complete team and they have returning to Europe in their sights.
“If we’re not able to apply the same intensity and desire, things will be very complicated for us.”
Real Sociedad (probable): Rulli; Zaldua, Raul Navas, Inigo, Yuri; Prieto, Illarramendi, Zurutuza; Vela, Willian Jose, Juanmi
Injuries/suspensions: Agirretxe, Carlos Martinez, Guridi (all injured)
Deportivo La Coruna (probable): Lux; Juanfran, Albentosa, Sidnei, Luisinho; Borges, Bergantinos; Gama, Kakuta, Emre; Andone
Injuries/suspensions: Mosquera (I) Arribas, Gil, Guilherme (all suspended)
Referee: Ocon Arraiz
Form guide: Real (L W L D L) Depor (W L D L L)
Previous meeting: Depor 5-1 Real
Kick-off time: 11:00 BST/12:00 CET
