With a great deal of suffering, Real drew against SSC Napoli and 1-1 and sealed a place in the Round of 32 of the UEFA Europa League. To further cement Real’s place into the knockout stages, Rijeka beat AZ Alkmaar.
There was tension but Real went all out to win the game from the moment they set foot on the Diego Armando Maradona stadium. The match was marked by heavy rain but Real played well, direct and with a solid defence. However, the goal wouldn’t come. The first chance of the match fell to Willian José but his left-footed effort was denied by Muslera. Then, Portu missed an open goal after a swift counter attack. The side from Naples didn’t create much danger but they were strong defensively and after a corner, Zielinski lashed into the back of the net. Real deserved more but Europe doesn’t forgive.
The txuri urdin came out with all guns blazing in the second half. Merino and Monreal tried their luck but to no avail. Real deserved more and in the minute 92 Willian José fired home to guarantee qualification to the next round of the competition.
Real suffered but they continue in the Uefa Europa League and deserve great credit. They want more! Let’s do this! Aupa Real!
Match details:
SSC Napoli: Ospina, Di Lorenzo, Maksimovic, Koulibaly, Mario Rui (Ghoulam, min.82), Fabián Ruiz, Bakayoko (Demme, min.70), Zielinski (Elmas, min.74), Lozano (Politano, min.70), Insigne (cap) and Mertens (Petagna, min.70).
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Zaldua (cap) (Gorosabel, min.46), Zubeldia, Le Normand (Isak, min.78), Monreal (Aihen, min.78), Guevara (Sagnan, min.78), Zubimendi, Merino, Januzaj, Portu (Barrenetxea, min.56) and Willian José.
Goals: 1-0: Zielinski, min.35; 1-1: Willian J., min.92
Referee: Tsvika Grinfeeld (Israel). Cautioned Mertens, Lozano and Fabián for SSC Napoli and Zubimendi, Le Normand and Zubeldia for Real Sociedad.
