One step from final

Real Sociedad came away from San Mamés with a 0–1 victory, taking a narrow advantage into the second leg. A dominant second-half display from the txuri urdin, crowned by Turrientes’ decisive strike, has firmly boosted their chances of reaching the final in Seville. It was a mature, composed and tactically disciplined performance from the San Sebastián side. Now, the job must be finished at Anoeta in three weeks’ time.

The match got off to an even start, with both teams trying to impose their style of play. After the first fifteen minutes, the opening moments of real danger arrived. Real Sociedad had the first chance after a move by Soler and a cross from Guedes, but no player was able to finish. Shortly after, Guruzeta’s header forced a solid save from Remiro. Oyarzabal then had a shot that went wide, preceding a clear opportunity for the txuri urdin. A long ball put Marín one-on-one with Padilla, but his central shot was blocked by the goalkeeper. Despite the score remaining 0–0, Real Sociedad were looking slightly sharper than the hosts. From a wide free kick delivered by Soler to the far post, Padilla again denied Martín’s header. Right before halftime, controversy arose when Caleta’s header struck Laporte’s hand—an action that today would almost certainly be a penalty, but it was not awarded. In the final chance before the break, the home side threatened with a left-footed strike from Williams, which Remiro managed to save.

Real Sociedad started the second half brilliantly, and almost immediately created another clear chance. Oyarzabal’s shot was saved by Padilla, and on the rebound, Marín, possibly offside, struck the post. Pellegrino’s side fully deserved the breakthrough, which came through a fine move: Soler threaded a pass to Guedes, whose effort was redirected into the net by Turrientes. The txuri urdin controlled the match well until the final whistle, and although fatigue began to show and the home side threatened on a few occasions, they held firm to secure the result.

The victory brings them a step closer to the final, but nothing has been decided. Ninety minutes of tension and uncertainty remain, and they will be played at Anoeta in three weeks.

Match sheet:

Athletic Club: Padilla, Lekue, Monreal, Laporte, Adama, Jauregizar (Vesga, min.82), Rego (Galarreta, min.56, Unai Gómez (Selton, min.56), Navarro (Serrano, min.56), Williams (cap)(Nico Williams, min.56) and Guruzeta.

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu (Aritz, min.74), Martín, Ćaleta-Car, Sergio Gómez, Gorrotxa, Turrientes (Óskarsson, min.74), Soler (Herrera, min.85), Marín (Odriozola, min.85), Guedes (Ochieng, min.94) and Oyarzabal (cap).

Goal: 0-1: Turrientes, min.62.

Referee: José Luis Sánchez. Booked Galarreta for Athletic and Guedes, Odriozola and Oyarzabal for Real Sociedad.