La Real fell to a shock defeat at the hands of RCD Espanyol (1-0). It is hard to describe this loss given that the txuri urdin were the better side. Moreover, Mateu Lahoz disallowed Isak’s goal. Inexplicable.
Both sides hit the post twice in the first half. First, la Real could have scored with a Le Normand effort from a corner, but Diego López cleared it off the goal line. Then, Javi Puado, fired in a crossed shot that was perfectly denied by Remiro. The forward, in a fine individual move, had the chance to put the hosts front with a shot just off target. La Real performed well on the edge of the area which wasn’t enough to make a difference.
La Real came out all guns blazing in the second half. They were close to open the scoring but once again, Diego López saved his team. The txuri urdin were the dominant side and created several clear-cut chances through Januzaj, Portu and Sorloth. The first, was heavily involved in another occasion as he produced an inviting cross-shot that hit the wood. Then, the referee disallowed our goal for reasons that he only understands. The ball hit his body but he allowed the game to continue. Nonetheless, he disallowed Isak’s goal. Incomprehensible. Next, as is always the case, the opponents took the lead through Yangel Herrera. Imanol’s side could have scored the equalizer in added time but Sergi López denied Oyarzabal, who was presented with an open goal.
Unfair defeat. We have to keep it going. Aupa, Real!
Match sheet:
RCD Espanyol: Diego López (cap), Aleix Vidal, Sergi Gómez, Cabrera, Pedrosa, Yangel, Keidi Bare (Morlanes, min.58), Puado, Darder, Embarba (Melamed, min.58) and De Tomás (Loren, min.90).
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Rico, Guevara (Navarro, min.81), Zubimendi, Portu (Barrenetxea, min.60), Januzaj, Oyarzabal (cap) and Sorloth (Isak, min.60).
Goal: 1-0: Yangel, min.77.
Referee: Mateu Lahoz. Booked Aleix Vidal for RCD Espanyol and Sorloth for Real Sociedad.