It has not been easy but Real returned to the Reale Arena after one week and they did it with a victory against AZ Alkmaar (1-0). The txuri urdin showed their superiority against an opponent who fought to the end of the game. Imanol’s side could have added more but Portu’s goal was enough to clinch the three European points. Therefore, Real lead Group F together with AZ Alkmaar and SSC Napoli.
Anyone who has seen the first half will know that Real could have opened the scoring before the break. The hosts were dominant on literally every aspect but failed to capitalize on their chances. The txuri urdin created clear goal scoring chances. First of all Silva tried his luck with a header. Aritz went close to scoring with a left-footed shot and Portu could have made it 1-0 after a great ball from Monreal. Creating chances galore, Real were unable to break the deadlock in the first half.
In the second half, Real went close to scoring once more. Despite Portu and Modibo trying, the scoreboard stayed the same. Finally, Portu pushed the ball into the back of the net with the help of Monreal and Oyarzabal. After the goal, the Dutch tried their luck but to no avail. The txuri urdin whirlwind was uncontainable for the away side and despite the fact that they were unable to add more goals, they secured a very important win.
With six points, Real are Group F leaders, although they are level on points with their opponents AZ and SSC Napoli. There are three games left and we’re going to give everything until the end. Aupa Real!
Match details:
Real Sociedad: Moyá, Aritz, Le Normand, Sagnan, Monreal, Guevara, Merino (Zubimendi, min.76), Silva, Oyarzabal (cap)(Barrenetxea, min.88), Portu (Januzaj, min.76) and Isak (Willian José, min.62).
AZ Alkmaar: Bizot, Svensson, Hatzidiakos (Letschert, min.70), Koopmeiners (cap), Wijndal, Midtsjo, De Wit, Stengs, Karlsson (Druijf, min.62), Guomundsson (Evjen, min.62) and Boadu (Aboukhlal, min.62).
Goal: 1-0: Portu, min.58.
Referee: John Beaton (Scotland). Cautioned Silva for Real Sociedad and Guomundsson, Druijf and Svensson for AZ Alkmaar.
