Real drew 2-2 with Rijeka at the Reale Arena. The txuri urdin picked up a point which is not enough as this result leaves everything to be decided in the match next Thursday in Naples.
Despite the fact that the realistas dominated, the first half started with scarce opportunities. The first clear chance of the game came after just eleven minutes of play. Isak tried his luck but his effort was denied by the goalkeeper. In the 19th minute, Real was penalty awarded but it was finally cancelled by the referee. Just before the break, Velkoski put the visitors ahead. Real had to level terms.
In the second half, Real grew into the game creating plenty of opportunities. Oyarzabal, Isak and Januzaj were in the thick of the action but failed to capitalise on their chances. Twenty minutes before the final whistle, Bautista reduced the arrears for the hosts. However, Lončar added a second just three minutes later. It was a hard blow but the equaliser finally arrived. Monreal turned the ball home with a left-footed shot. The txuri urdin fought until the end but didn’t get their reward.
The realistas are second and depend on themselves to guarantee their place in the Round of 32. All will be decided in Naples! Aupa Real!
Match details:
Real Sociedad: A. Remiro, Zaldua (Gorosabel, min. 67), Zubeldia, Le Normand, Monreal, Zubimendi, Merino, Silva (Willian J., min. 67), Januzaj (Portu, min. 80), Oyarzabal (cap) (López, min. 80) and Isak (Bautista, min. 58).
HNK Rijeka: Nevistić, Velkoski (João Escoval, min. 85), Galović, Štefulj, Tomečak, Halilović, Capan, Lončar, Menalo (Anastasio, min. 80), Muric (Pavičić, min. 75) and Andrijašević (cap) (Yateke, min. 85).
Goals: 0-1: Velkoski, min. 37; 1-1: Bautista, min. 70; 1-2: Lončar, min. 73; 2-2: Monreal, min. 79
Referee: João Pinheiro (Portugal). Booked Merino for Real Sociedad and Andrijašević and Halilović for HNK Rijeka.
