Real Sociedad II vs PAU

Jon Ansotegi's side, still missing several players called up to Pellegrino Matarazzo's first-team squad, needed only nine minutes to break the deadlock. Lander Astiazarán turned home a cross from Soroeta from close range, settling any early nerves against a Pau side that is two weeks closer to the start of its Ligue 2 season.

The 1-0 scoreline held through half-time despite Sanse's territorial control. The second half, however, became a showcase for individual brilliance.

Arkaitz Mariezkurrena doubled the lead in the 64th minute, taking a pass inside the area, controlling sharply and drilling a powerful left-footed strike past Pau goalkeeper Maubleu.

Eleven minutes later, Sydney Osazuwa produced the goal of the game. Picking up the ball on the flank, he cut inside, sold the defender a dummy, and unleashed a curling left-footed effort that kissed the inside of the post before nestling in the top corner — a finish Marca's match report described as "spectacular."

Mariezkurrena completed his brace — and the scoring — in the 80th minute with an audacious bicycle kick from inside the box, a goal that drew audible gasps from the Zubieta stands. The 4-0 scoreline flattered neither side's performance: Sanse had created enough chances to warrant the margin.

Pau FC began the second half with more intent, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Ansotegi responded by introducing Mariezkurrena, Osazuwa and others from the bench, and the impact was immediate. Mariezkurrena's 64th-minute goal — the first real chance of the half — deflated the French side and opened the floodgates. Pau had no answer to the fresh legs and dropped off sharply after the second goal, conceding twice more in the final 16 minutes.

Arkaitz Mariezkurrena — Player of the match. A brace of contrasting quality: a composed left-footed finish from inside the area and a spectacular overhead kick. The forward made a compelling case for a starting role in Sanse's next friendly.

Sydney Osazuwa — One goal, but what a goal. The winger's solo run and curled finish into the top corner was the standout moment of the match.

Lander Astiazarán — Opened the scoring early and set the tone. His intelligent movement off the left flank caused problems all evening. Assisted by Soroeta.

The provider stat line shows four goals, all by Sanse, and zero card events recorded by the API (a common omission in friendly fixtures). The official match report, however, confirms referee Álex Rivas showed six yellow cards: two to Sanse's Oleaga and Telletxea, and four to Pau's Pouilly, Lefebvre, Versini and Openda (Real Sociedad official site). Sanse's 1-0 halftime lead undersells their first-half dominance: Astiazarán's early goal gave them control, and they never looked threatened. The second-half substitution pattern — ten changes for each side — made the match a legitimate fitness test for both squads, and Sanse's depth told. Pau's Ligue 2 readiness (their season starts in August) was expected to give them an edge in rhythm; instead, Sanse's intensity matched them stride for stride.

Sanse have now won both pre-season friendlies, building momentum ahead of the 2026-27 Segunda Federación campaign. The performance was particularly encouraging given the absences: several first-team squad members were away with Matarazzo's senior side, meaning Ansotegi fielded a mix of regulars and prospects.

Pau FC, meanwhile, continue their pre-season preparations with a 4-0 defeat that will concern Thierry Debès with Ligue 2 just two weeks away.

Next up for Sanse: Wednesday 29 July 2026, vs SD Eibar at Estadio Zubieta (19:00 local) — another Basque derby friendly.

This was a pre-season statement from Sanse. Four goals, all of genuine quality, against a professional side from a higher division. The scoreline was fair, the performance was convincing, and the individual moments — Mariezkurrena's double, Osazuwa's wonder-goal — suggest Ansotegi has attacking options to work with. Pau will be better for the run-out, but they will need to tighten up quickly.