La Real earned a point this afternoon in Mendizorrotza. Despite being the better side, the realistas didn't show their superiority on the pitch and a penalty in favor of the hosts in the second half equalized Januzaj's initial goal.
With Alavés struggling at the start, the txuri urdin found it difficult to play their usual game. With fifteen minutes on the clock, in the first attack with space for the visitors, a back pass from Portu was finished off by Januzaj. The Babazorros responded with a good volley from Rioja, but his acrobatic attempt went wide. La Real came close to add a second in a fine individual move by Isak. His shot was deflected by former Real youth player Owono, who was making his debut for Alavés. On the stroke of half-time, Isak enjoyed another clear chance that was blocked by Laguardia.
Nothing was happening in the second half when after a fight inside the area, Alavés was penalty awarded by Del Cerro. Then, Joselu equalized from eleven yards. The goal not only leveled the scoreboard, but also the game and the dominance. Both sides enjoyed a few chances before the final whistle, but neither Edgar nor Merino were able to find the back of the net.
To have picked up a point is a disappointment. The realistas wanted a win and had to settle for a draw. We’ve got to keep going! Aupa Real!
Match sheet:
Deportivo Alavés: Owono, Martín (Edgar, min.46), Laguardia (cap), Lejeune, Duarte, Loum, Toni Moya, Rioja, Iván Martín, Miguel (Sylla, min.73) and Joselu.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aritz (cap), Zubeldia (Pacheco, min, 82), Le Normand, Rico, Guevara (Zubimendi, min.82), Merino, Silva (Sorloth, min.76), Barrenetxea (Januzaj, min.6), Portu (Djouahra, min.76) and Isak.
Goals: 0-1: Januzaj, min.14. 1-1: Joselu (pen), min.58.
Referee: Del Cerro Grande. Booked Laguardia, Edgar and Rioja for Deportivo Alavés and Zubeldia, Silva and Januzaj for Real Sociedad.