There was no other way. To achieve great rewards, you need to play great matches. Today, Real Sociedad played a smart game, exactly what was required to win at the Villamarín and clinch their Europa League spot. An incredible early goal by Brais and another by Merino just before halftime secured Real Sociedad the sixth place and a ticket in the second continental competition.
The match got off to a bright start. Brais won a free kick at the edge of the area and, with a magnificent shot, placed the ball in the top corner to give the txuri-urdin an early lead. Despite the goal, the home team pressed hard, making it difficult for Real Sociedad to maintain possession. As the minutes passed, the team settled and expertly handled the intense crowd pressure. Just before halftime, Remiro was sensational, tipping Chadi Riad's long-range shot onto the crossbar with his fingertips. Shortly after, in a play that perfectly characterizes this team, Merino made a steal, received an assist from Oyarzabal, and finished perfectly to make it 2-0.
Imanol's team managed the game well, slowing the pace to suit their strategy. The match could have taken a difficult turn when the referee awarded Betis a penalty, but Remiro came through again, saving Abde's shot with his foot. In the final moments, a disallowed Betis goal provided the biggest scare, but Real Sociedad secured a well-deserved victory at the verdiblancos' home.
Real Sociedad has done it again. This feat marks their fifth consecutive season in Europe, clinching the Europa League spot against their direct rival on their home turf. It's time to celebrate. We are Real.
Match sheet:
Real Betis: Rui Silva, Sabaly (Bellerín, min.60), Sokratis, Chadi Riad, Miranda, Johny, William (Rodri, min.46), Fekir (captain), Fornals (Altimira, min.46), Ayoze, and Willian José (Ez Abde, min.60).
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré (Aramburu, min.76), Aritz, Pacheco, Tierney (Martín, min.67), Merino, Turrientes (Olasagasti, min.67), Javi Galán, Brais Méndez (Barrene, min.76), Becker (Zakharyan, min.81), and Oyarzabal.
Goals: 0-1: Brais Méndez, min.5. 0-2: Merino, min.42.
Referee: Martínez Munuera. Booked Miranda, Sabaly, and Fékir for Betis and Turrientes, Traoré, Becker, and Aramburu for Real Sociedad.