Espanyol vs Real Sociedad preview - Colotto wary of Sociedad threat

Posted Saturday, November 30, 2013 by PA

Espanyol defender Diego Colotto does not believe Real Sociedad will be any less dangerous this weekend despite exiting the Champions League in midweek after suffering a resounding 4-0 defeat at the hands of Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Basques have picked up only one point in Europe and scored just one goal over five matches, but have climbed up to sixth in the Primera Division table after winning four of their last six league games.

And as such, Colotto is expecting a tough test on Saturday, telling reporters: "They have the same squad and same level of quality [as last season] and results haven't gone their way in the Champions League, but we are still expecting to come up against a great side."

The defender also revealed that Espanyol coach Javier Aguirre has warned his players to pay special attention to stifling La Real's attack.

"The team are aware that if we are strong in defence we will be on the right track, because they have players of real quality in attack who can score at any time. The coach has really hammered that point home, he believes that that's the best chance we'll have of scoring."

Last week Espanyol beat Rayo Vallecano 4-1 to earn their first win in five games and move up to ninth in the table. A win on Saturday would see them leapfrog Sociedad, who will be without full-back Carlos Martinez and midfielder Dani Estrada.

Espanyol have no injury concerns and Victor Alvarez could make his first home appearance since undergoing a heart operation seven months ago to treat a cardiac problem.

The defender made his comeback against Rayo and Aguirre told a press conference of his admiration for the way his player dealt with the ordeal.

"It is a very strange sensation because I remember what it was like before he had the surgery, you never know what's going to happen. It was a very tough time. We weren't sceptical but we knew it would be very difficult for him to return to football. He's an example of strength and fortitude," he said