It was an unforgettable first match at Anoeta, even if the final score was not what we would have wanted it to be. Real lost 1-2 at Anoeta in a match that could have turned into a victory had we been luckier. Aritz scored in the first half, but Barcelona made a comeback and scored two goals in the second half.
Our fans enthusiasm and passionate support spurred the squad into a brilliant start. Aritz achieved a fantastic goal with his left foot after a corner; Real was dominating the match and Barça was barely holding on. As minutes went by, Barcelona increased pressure onto Rulli’s box, but our goalkeeper kept them away.
It was after the half-time that Real started to struggle, but it wasn’t because we let Barcelona play their usual overwhelming game. Real had three clear shots at 2-0, but Oyarzabal, Theo and Juanmi all failed to put the ball behind Ter Stegen, and as things usually go when you play against a team like Barcelona, we paid the price for not seizing every opportunity. Luis Suarez and Dembelé ended up scoring two quick-fire goals.
Victory slipped through our fingers today, but we know we will see unforgettable games at Anoeta in the future. Go Real!!
Lineups
Real Sociedad: Rulli, Zaldua, Aritz, H. Moreno, Theo, Illarra (Merino, min.83), Zubeldia, R. Pardo (Sangalli, min83), Zurutuza (Bautista, min.73), Oyarzabal and Juanmi.
FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Semedo (Coutinho, min.46), Piqué, Umtití, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto, Rakitic, Rafinha (Sergio, min.57), Dembelé (Vidal, min.77), Messi (cap) and Suárez.
Goals: 1-0: Aritz, min.12. 1-1: Suárez, min.63. 1-2: Dembelé, min.66.
Referee: Del Cerro Grande. He cautioned Illarra for Real Sociedad and Umtiti for Barcelona.
Attendance: 26,756.
