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Real Sociedad secured their first European victory of the season tonight. The team from Gipuzkoa clinched all three points in a match which took place in Belgrade, attended by 109 Real supporters, defeating Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC 2-1. Goals from Pacheco and Sergio Gómez propelled the txuri urdin forward in this stage of the UEFA Europa League.
Although the home side started energetically in the opening minutes, the txuri-urdin team quickly took control of the game and began creating dangerous chances in the opposing box. Sadiq's early shot, saved by the goalkeeper, was a warning sign of what was to come. Shortly after, Brais took a corner, and Pacheco timed his header perfectly to give Real the lead. Despite maintaining control of the game, it became a bit harder to create clear chances. Just before halftime, a well-placed shot forced a save from Mishpati, and Oyarzabal, after a long pass, narrowly missed after getting past the goalkeeper.
The start of the second half brought some uncertainty, as the opponents created a few good chances to equalize. However, Imanol's team regained control, and after a disallowed goal by Sadiq, a well-executed play between Take, the Nigerian striker, and Becker led to Real Sociedad’s second goal. Sergio Gómez, who had just come on as a substitute, got on the end of Sheraldo's cross to score and bring the team closer to victory. In the final minutes, the hosts pulled one back through Turgeman, adding tension to the final minutes.
This victory helps Real Sociedad move up in the standings, keeping their strong run of form from recent weeks intact. Up next, Osasuna. We are Real.
Match details:
Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC: Mishpati, Lemkin, Shlomo, Stojic, Davidzada (Yehezkal, 70’), Sissokho (Overeem, 70’), Peretz (capt) (Davida, 70’), Kanichowsky, Patati, Shahar (Addo, 70’), Madmon (Turgeman, 76’).
Real Sociedad: Marrero, Aramburu (Aritz, 75’), Nayef, Pacheco, Javi López, Zubimendi, Turrientes (Sergio Gómez, 59’), Brais Méndez (Olasagasti, 83’), Take (Barrene, 75’), Oyarzabal (capt) (Becker, 59’), Sadiq.
Goals: 0-1: Pacheco, 19’. 0-2: Sergio Gómez, 64’. 1-2: Turgeman, 82’.
Referee: Rohit Saggi (Norway). Bookied Patati and Overeem for the home side and Take and Javi López for the visitors. Davida was sent off in the 88th minute for a second yellow card.