Real Sociedad saw their hopes of qualifying for Europe all but disappear tonight after a 1–0 defeat to Celta Vigo at the Reale Arena. It was a harsh result for the txuri urdin, who didn’t deserve to lose but were once again punished by a lack of clinical finishing in a season that’s offered little mercy.
The match opened with a warning shot from Celta, as Borja Iglesias sent a clear chance wide. La Real applied pressure and recovered possession but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. A difficult header from Oyarzabal off a corner was the only real moment of danger for the hosts. Just before the break, Celta capitalized on a swift counterattack, with Alfon beating Remiro on the rebound to make it 0–1.
After halftime, Real pushed with greater urgency. Pablo Marín came close with a low strike that nearly slipped past Guaita, and minutes later Oyarzabal struck the crossbar with a powerful header. Despite numerous set-piece chances and sustained pressure, the equalizer never came.
Real Sociedad’s chances of securing a European spot are now slim to none. Only a near-impossible series of results could change their fate. It’s time to turn the page and finish strong. We are Real.
Match details:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré (Aramburu, min.60), Aritz, Zubeldia, Aihen (Javi López, min.78), Zubimendi, Marín, Brais Méndez (Sučić, in.78), Sergio Gómez (Barrene, min.60), Take and Oyarzabal (cap).
RC Celta de Vigo: Guaita, Javi Rodríguez, Domínguez, Ristic (Lago, min.78), Ilaix, Fran Beltrán (cap), Carreira, Mingueza, Fer López (Pablo Durán, min.66), Alfon (Swedberg, min.78) and Borja Iglesias (Iker Losada, min.78).
Goals: 0-1: Alfon, min.44.
Referee: García Verdura. Booked Aihen, Zubimendi and Sučić for Real Sociedad and Ilaix for RC Celta de Vigo.
Attendance: 25,124 spectators.