Fifth victory in Europa League as la Real beat Omonia tonight in Nicosia 0-2. Goals by Navarro and Brais allow la Real to face the last matchday against Manchester United with many options to finish first in the group.
The match, as expected, was dominated by the txuri urdin. Imanol's side monopolized the ball and, although they did not play excellent soccer, they soon enjoyed fine chances. Kubo, Navarro and Karrikaburu were close to add the first, but they failed to do so. With 47 on the clock, after a precise cross from Illarra, Navarro headed the ball into the net to put la Real ahead just before the break.
After the restart, la Real got the game back on track quickly. A fine individual move by Navarro ended in a perfect strike by Brais that doubled the txuri urdin advantage and paved the way to victory. From that moment on, the game was put to bed.
La Real continues its impeccable trajectory in Europe. Next Thursday they will be looking for a place in the round of 16 against United. A win, a draw or even a narrow defeat will qualify la Real for the round of 16. But that will be on Thursday. Before that, la Real will face Betis on Sunday. Go Real!
Match sheet:
Omonoia FC: Uzoho, Matthews (Panayiotou, min.81), Miletic (Hector Yuste, min.64), Lang, Lecjacks (cap), Cassama, Charalampous (Kousoulos, min.72), Bezus, Kakoullis, Barker (Papoulis, min.46) and Bruno Felipe (Ansarifard, min.64).
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aritz, Zubeldia, Pacheco, Rico (Arambarri, min.70), Illarra (cap)(Turrientes, min.80), Guevara, Merino (Brais Méndez, min.46), Navarro, Take (Marín, min.46) and Karrikaburu (Magunazelaia, min.70).
Goals: 0-1: Navarro, min.45+2. 0-2: Brais Méndez, min.60).
Referee: Tamas Bognar (Hungary). Booked Papoulis for Omonia and Illarra for Real Sociedad.