It just wasn't meant to be. La Real lost to RB Leipzig at the Reale Arena (1-3). The side from Germany were the superior side especially in the first half. The txuri urdin tried to cut distances but were unable to complete the comeback and were eliminated from the Europa League.
The Germans only created danger and enjoyed two dangerous chances in the first minutes. However, Ryan put in a great performance to deny Leipzig. La Real struggled to keep the ball at their feet and lost it too quickly. The visitors continued to intimidate and Orban fired home in a fine individual move. Again, Ryan made a superb save. As the half progressed, the side from San Sebastián felt more confident. Then, Ryan committed a foul on Nkunku and Leipzig were penalty awarded. André Silva tried his luck from the penalty spot but his shot was denied by the Aussie keeper. Next, Orban pounced on the rebound to fire the ball home and make it 0-1.
After the restart, the visitors were very much the dominant force in attack and added a second on minute 59. Things took a turn for the worse for the realistas who reduced the arrears through Martín Zubimendi. The realistas showed all of their txuri urdin DNA in an effort to turn the scoreline around but neither Isak nor Sorloth were able to find the back of the net. Two minutes before the final whistle, Leipzig were penalty awarded again and Forsberg converted to put the game to bed.
La Real went out from the European competition with heads held high. Tonight they lost to a great opponent that will go far. We will be back. Aupa, Real!
Match sheet:
Real Sociedad: Ryan, Zaldua, Aritz, Le Normand (Silva, min.62), Aihen, Zubeldia, Zubimendi, Rafael (Sorloth, min.84), Oyarzabal (cap), Portu (Januzaj, min.62) and Isak (Djouahra, min.90).
RB Leipzig: Gulaksi (cap), Klostermann, Simalan, Orban, Gvardiol, Henrichs (Angelinho, min.64), Laimer, Kampl, Olmo (Poulsen, min.79), André Silva (Forsberg, min.63) and Nkunku.
Goals: 0-1: Orban, min.39. 0-2: André Silva, min.59. 1-2: Zubimendi, min.65. 1-3: Forsberg, min.89.
Referee: Taylor (England). Booked André Silva, Orban and Kampl for RB Leipzig.
Attendance: 30,133 spectators.