Real Sociedad drew 0-0 this afternoon in Pucela in a match where they were the better side, but failed to find the back of the net, costing them the chance to secure all three points.
After a somewhat cautious start, dominating possession and beginning to look more like their usual selves. The best opportunities of the first half went to Real Sociedad, both through Becker. First, on a counterattack, the forward lacked the speed to outpace the goalkeeper, allowing the defense to block his attempt. After a somewhat hesitant start, the txuri-urdin settled into the game, controlling possession and resembling the team we are used to seeing. The clearest chances of the first half fell to Real Sociedad, both to Becker. First, on a counterattack, the forward lacked the speed to beat the home keeper, allowing the defense to block his shot. Then, just before the break, the keeper made a fine save to stop Becker’s header from an Aramburu cross.
In the second half, Real Sociedad’s control of the game increased, but Valladolid managed to threaten with a few dangerous counterattacks. Moro found himself one-on-one with Remiro, but the keeper stuck out his foot to deny the chance. Imanol’s side continued to create chances. Oyarzabal missed a header over the bar, and Zubimendi, after losing his balance, failed to convert with defenders on the goal line. The best chance came from a loose ball that Zubimendi laid off to Oyarzabal, who sent it into the net, only for the goal to be ruled out by a razor-thin offside. In the final stages, the txuri-urdin struggled to create and reach the opposing area, unable to alter the scoreline.
A point it not enough, but it helps to keep moving forward. There is still much to improve at the start of this season. On Wednesday, the first European match awaits.
Match sheet:
Real Valladolid: Hein, Luis Pérez (c), Juma Bah (Comert, 78’), Ozkacar, Rosa, Juric, Meseguer, Amallah (Kike Pérez, 46’), Moro (Sylla, 78’), Machís, and Latasa.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Zubeldia (c), Aguerd (Pacheco, 81’), Sergio Gómez, Zubimendi, Turrientes, Sučić (Olasagasti, 62’), Take (Sadiq, 81’), Becker, and Óskarsson (Oyarzabal, 62’).
Referee: Cuadra Fernández. Booked Juric, Luis Pérez, Rosa, and Latasa for Real Sociedad and Aguerd, Aramburu, Zubeldia, and Zubimendi for Real Sociedad.