La Real secured a draw against RCD Espanyol in their season opener at Anoeta. After going 0-2 down before halftime, the txuri urdin fought back in a second half full of determination and pride to claim a valuable point.
La Real started the match strongly, moving the ball quickly and creating promising chances, but Espanyol struck first on their opening dangerous attack, with Pere Milla giving the visitors the lead. The Catalan side controlled the game for a spell after the goal, frequently testing Remiro. La Real responded with opportunities to equalize, though Oyarzabal’s header from Barrene’s cross went wide. Just before halftime, Espanyol were awarded a penalty to extend their lead. Remiro saved the first attempt, but the VAR ordered a retake due to players from both teams entering the area, and Puado converted on the second try to make it 0-2 at the break.
In the second half, La Real attacked with heart more than finesse, but quickly cut the deficit with a goal from Barrene. With half an hour remaining, hope was alive. Sergio Francisco’s side built momentum, and in a brilliant move involving Take, Oyarzabal, and Óskarsson, the Icelandic striker struck a perfectly angled right-footed shot past Dmitrovic to level the score. The game’s momentum completely shifted, and Brais came close to giving La Real the lead, only for the goalkeeper to deflect his shot to a corner. The Donostia team pressed for a winner with determination but couldn’t find the decisive goal, despite a strong second-half showing that deserved it.
This is La Real’s second consecutive draw, once again coming from behind. There were positives to take and areas to work on, which is natural at this point in the season. Next Saturday, the team will travel to Oviedo.
Match sheet:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Martín, Zubeldia, Sergio Gómez (Aihen, 74’), Turrientes (Gorrotxa, 56’), Marín, Sučić (Óskarsson, 56’), Take, Barrene (Guedes, 80’) and Oyarzabal (c) (Brais Méndez, 72’).
RCD Espanyol: Dmitrovic, El Hilali, Miguel Rubio, Cabrera, Romero, Pol Lozano, Edu Exposito (Salinas, 82’), Dolan (Roca, 86’), Puado (c), Pere Milla (Terrats, 73’) and Roberto (Kike García, 73’).
Goals: 0-1: Pere Milla, 10’. 0-2: Puado (pen), 45+1’. 1-2: Barrene, 61’. 2-2: Óskarsson, 69’.
Referee: Alejandro Quintero. Booked Gorrotxa and Aramburu (Real Sociedad) and Exposito (Espanyol).
Attendance: 31,616 spectators