Real Sociedad has secured their place in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League after defeating FC Midtjylland 5-2 at the Reale Arena tonight. The match was dynamic and full of goals, the txuri-urdin team advanced without too much trouble. This marks a significant achievement as they have finally overcome a European knockout stage. England awaits us!
The game started perfectly, with Brais Méndez capitalizing on a defensive mistake to score into an open net. Being clearly superior, Real quickly netted a second goal when Sučić finished a beautiful play between Oyarzabal and Barrene. The visitors responded by narrowing the gap with a penalty converted by Buksa. Just before halftime, following a mistake during a build-up from Real, Osorio equalized with a well-placed shot. What seemed like a secure two-goal lead for Real was leveled just before the break. In the closing moments of the first half, Brais and Barrene forced Lössl into two impressive saves. In the last play before halftime, Sučić scored his second goal from a corner rebound, restoring Real's lead.
In the second half, the match was relatively easy for Real, as the visitors failed to trouble Remiro. Additionally, Midtjylland was reduced to ten men, and shortly after, Oyarzabal converted a penalty to extend the lead to 4-2. Real continued to press, and Óskarsson scored the fifth and final goal after a precise cross from Zakharyan on the left.
Real Sociedad will be part of tomorrow's draw. They will face either Manchester United or Tottenham in the Round of 16. We are Real!
Match sheet:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aritz, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Aihen, Olasagasti (Turrientes, min.67), Sučić (Marín, min.48), Brais Méndez, Barrene (Zakharyan, min.83), Take (Becker, min.67) and Oyarzabal (cap)(Óskarsson, min.83).
FC Midtjylland: Lössl, Andersson (Mbabu, min.46), Diao, Bech (cap)(Juninho, min.46), Paulinho (Bak, min.60), Silva, Bravo, Castillo, Osorio, Simsir and Buksa.
Goals: 1-0: Brais Méndez, min.5. 2-0: Sučić, min.18. 2-1: Buksa (pen.), min.24. 2-2: Osorio, min.39. 3-2: Sučić, min.45+1. 4-2: Oyarzabal (pen.), min.73. 5-2: Óskarsson, min.90.
Referee: Gözübüyük (Holland). Booked Olasagasti for Real Sociedad and Buksa for FC Midtjylland. Visitor Silva was sent off with a direct red card in the 70th minute.
Attendance: 27,728 spectators.