Real drew 0-0 against Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorrotza. The txuri urdin were the better side but showed a lack of accuracy.
In the first half, the two teams were close to winning in the exchange of attacks and chances. Isak could have opened the scoring but Pacheco did a great save. As for the hosts, Joselu sent a beautiful chip that went wide. In the first minutes, both teams were fairly evenly matched in almost all aspects of the game. Later, there was only one team on the field. Real started to dominate and had two more chances before the break. However, neither Merquelanz nor Merino were able to capitalise on their chances.
The best move for Real came after the restart. Isak’s shot was denied by Pacheco and Portu tried his luck on the rebound. The hosts were left with just 10 players after Battaglia was sent off in the minute 61. From that moment on, the txuri urdin dominance was increasingly evident. Again, Pacheco put in a great performance to deny Willian José.
Despite their insistence, Real come away with a point. Now, the squad must focus on the match in Naples. Let’s do this! Aupa Real!
Match details:
Deportivo Alavés: Pacheco, Navarro, Laguardia, Lejeune, Duarte, Battaglia, Pina, Luis Rioja (Edgar, min.88), Jota, Lucas Pérez (Martín, min.72) and Joselu.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel (Zaldua, min.75), Zubeldia, Sagnan (Zubimendi, min.83), Aihen, Guevara, Merino (cap), López (Bautista, min.75), Portu (Barrenetxea, min.83), Merquelanz and Isak (Willian José, min.75).
Referee: Munuera Montero. Booked Lejeune for Deportivo Alavés and sent off Battaglia in the minute 61.
