La Real finished the season in sixth place after losing tonight against Atlético de Madrid (1-2). The txuri urdin were unable to put the icing on the cake in the last match, but the goal was already achieved, the qualification to play in the European competition for the third consecutive season, something only accomplished by the champion team of the 80s.
The match started with a daring Real that tried to impose its football. Merino had the first chance but his header went wide. In the 30th minute, after a fine individual move by Sorloth, Rafael was unable to finish off Oblak's rebound and sent the ball into the woodwork. Just before the break, Rafael himself had the clearest chance of the half, but his shot went just wide of the post.
Atlético tried their luck immediately after the restart as Cunha’s shot hit Remiro's crossbar. Shortly after, De Paúl's shot from the edge of the area gave the side from Madrid the lead. Imanol's men tried to reduce the deficit, but it was Simeone's men who doubled the lead thanks to a goal by Correa. The newly incorporated Januzaj sought the top corner with a shot from the edge of the area. It went just wide. In stoppage time, after a free kick by Januzaj, Guridi headed in Oblak's clearance.
The season did not end on a high note, but it is still a brilliant one. The Guipuzcoa side will play in Europe again next season. What a nice habit. Aupa, Real!
Match sheet:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel (Zaldua, min.71), Aritz, Le Normand, Rico, Zubimendi, Illarra (cap)(Guridi, min.81), Merino, Rafael (Portu, min.63), Isak (Januzaj, min.63) and Sorloth (Djouahra, min.71).
Atlético de Madrid: Oblak, Llorente Savic, Felipe, Reinildo, Kondogbia, Koke (cap), De Paúl (Lemar, min.86), Carrasco, Griezmann (Suárez, min.86) and Cunha (Correa, min.63).
Goals: 0-1: De Paúl, min.50. 0-2: Correa, min.69. 1-2: Guridi, min.93.
Referee: Gil Manzano. Booked Le Normand, Rafael, Merino and Portu for Real Sociedad and Griezmann and Savic for Atlético de Madrid.
Attendance: 23,586 spectators.