2009–10 Real Sociedad season

The season began with the appointment of Martín Lasarte as new coach. The Uruguayan, with no experience in European football, was chosen by Jokin Aperribay as a replacement for Juan Manuel Lillo.[1] The preceding season under Lillo was one of the worst in the club's history, as the club never challenged for promotion.[2]

During the transfer window, the club hired several players on loan, who would prove to be key to the club’s promotion. By September, the club had reached promotion spots, a place they would not leave for the rest of the season. The winter break was preceded by a home win against Real Betis.[3] Real Sociedad topped the table with 35 points by Christmas, two points above second-placed Hércules. After losing on the 21st matchday, Real Sociedad temporarily lost their first place.[4]

Towards the end of the season, Real Betis began challenging for promotion and beat Real Sociedad in Seville.[5] In late May, they joined Levante, Hércules and Real Sociedad in a tight promotion race. However, the Andalusians would fall short and fail to obtain promotion. Real Sociedad bounced back after their defeat against Betis and won three games in a row. A home win against Celta de Vigo, the last of those three, sealed promotion.[6]

In the Copa del Rey, Real Sociedad were knocked out in the first round by Rayo Vallecano, who disposed of the Guipuscoan club with ease.[7]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player 1 GK  CHI Claudio Bravo 2 DF  ESP Carlos Martínez 3 DF  ESP Mikel González 4 MF  ESP Gorka Elustondo 5 MF  ESP Markel Bergara 6 DF  ESP Mikel Labaka 7 MF  CMR Franck Songo'o 8 FW  EQG Emilio Nsue 9 FW  ESP Imanol Agirretxe 10 MF  ESP Xabi Prieto 11 MF  ESP Mikel Aranburu 13 GK  ESP Eñaut Zubikarai 14 DF  ESP Iosu Esnaola

No. Pos. Nation Player 15 DF  ESP Ion Ansotegi 16 DF  ESP Iñigo Sarasola 17 MF  FRA David Zurutuza 18 FW  ESP Borja Viguera 19 MF  ESP Diego Rivas 20 FW  URU Carlos Bueno 21 FW  COL Jonathan Estrada 22 DF  ESP Dani Estrada 23 MF  ESP Sergio Rodríguez 24 DF  ESP Alberto de la Bella 25 GK  ESP Asier Riesgo 27 MF  FRA Antoine Griezmann

• Squad and fixtures on Bdfutbol