Rulli: "There's nothing quite like the derby; it's different, special"

Real Sociedad goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli defined Sunday's derby meeting with Athletic Club as the biggest game of the season for the Gipuzkoa-based side and their fans and said today that it represents a chance for the team to underline all of the positive vibes which have been surrounding the team since the campaign started.

Different atmosphere

As the Basque derby draws closer, Rulli says he can really feel the atmosphere bubbling out on the street. "It’s a different kind of feeling - not a usual week for us because it’s such a big game, a derby, and that means a lot for everyone here at the club and of course for all of our fans. We know it means that we have a great responsibility to do well for our supporters. It’s a very important match - for our people and for us. We want the good sensations we have been having since the Betis game to continue", the Argentina international said.

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Athletic, a well-balanced sided

Whether playing at Anoeta or like on Sunday, at San Mamés, the most recent run-ins with Athletic have brought out the best in La Real whose last defeat in Bilbao was in March 2012 - but Rulli affirmed that as always, both sides are in for a very complex game. "Athletic are a very complete side and they are not just about Aduriz. In midfield they have got Beñat and San José directing play, their defence is looking strong and they have quality throughout the team - that’s what they qualified for Europe last season", the 24-year-old explained. "These are matches which are always played differently - you go through phases when you are on top, then others in which you are really made to suffer. We'll be going to San Mamés to battle, control possession and carry out what the coach wants from us. We'll see a competitive Real Sociedad on Sunday - a side which is much better than last year's team. Coming home with all three points would be a massive lift".