OGC NICE 1-1 REAL SOCIEDAD

All square in our European debut

Real Sociedad started strong but faded, securing a draw in Nice in their Europa League debut With nine academy players in the starting lineup, the txuri-urdin looked better in the first half, but a goal right before halftime leveled the score. The second half proved more difficult, but they managed to take away a point to begin their European campaign.

Real Sociedad got off to a good start, despite the hosts trying to assert their dominance as well. After fifteen minutes of balanced play, the txuri-urdin took the lead with a brilliant play, thanks to an in-form Barrene. The San Sebastián native placed the ball near the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. They even had the opportunity to double their lead, but Oyarzabal couldn’t finish in time against Bulka. As the match was nearing halftime, a poor defensive clearance allowed Rosario to score with a low shot past Remiro.

The second half started poorly for Real Sociedad, with Nice being awarded a penalty. Fortunately, Remiro made an excellent save, stopping Guessand’s effort from the spot. However, this miss didn’t give Imanol’s side the boost they needed, as the French side controlled the game from that point on. Real Sociedad managed to withstand the pressure and secure a point.

Their European debut ends with a draw for the txuri urdin. The first of eight matches, and one of the toughest away games, offered some hope for the future, but also highlighted areas for improvement. LaLiga action returns to the Reale Arena on Saturday.


Match sheet:

OGC Nice: Bulka, Ndayishimiye, Bombito, Dante (c), Clauss, Bard, Louchet (Ndombelé, 68’), Rosario, Guessand, Bouanani (Diop, 68’), Moukoko (Orakpo, 74’).

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Odriozola (Aramburu, 60’), Zubeldia, Martín, Pacheco, Aihen (Javi López, 60’), Zubimendi, Marín, Brais Méndez (Sučić, 69’), Barrene (Becker, 60’), Oyarzabal (c) (Óskarsson, 79’).

Goals: 0-1: Barrene, 18’. 1-1: Rosario, 45’.

Referee: Krogh (Denmark). He booked Rosario and Guessand for Nice, and Odriozola, Zubimendi, and Pacheco for Real Sociedad.


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