Real drew 0-0 against FC Salzburg in a match they dominated from start to finish. Despite their dominance, they were unable to score a goal to secure victory. In two weeks, the txuri urdin will compete for the top spot in Milan, where a draw will be enough to maintain their position.
The txuri urdin created chances from the beginning. Zubimendi's shot from the front went high, whereas Oyarzabal tested Schlager with a precise left-footed strike. The Austrians' greatest chance came on a counterattack, when Nene hit the post in a one-on-one. Turrientes had two good opportunities in the final minutes of the first half. Bidstrup diverted the first, a shot inside the area, while the second, a right-footed effort, narrowly missed the target. No goals at halftime.
The pace of the game didn't change after the break, with Real continuing to dominate. After a few early minutes without chances, the txuri urdin warmed up, and Brais came near to scoring with a left-footed attempt that was saved by Schalger. Zhakaryan also tried his luck, but the goalkeeper cleared the danger once more. With 10 minutes remaining, Sadiq had a chance with a slightly angled effort that Schalger saved for a corner. The best chance in the second half came in the final minutes with a Barrene cross that Zubimendi, with his left foot, deflected too much. Schlager superbly stopped Take's powerful free kick in injury time. The final minutes were a siege without reward. It's time to secure the top spot at Giuseppe Meazza. Aupa Real!
Match details:
Real Sociedad: A. Remiro, Odriozola (H. Traoré, min. 74), Aritz (Pacheco, min. 46), Zubeldia, Aihen, Zubimendi, Turrientes, Brais Méndez (Barrene, min. 65), Cho (Take, min. 74), Zakharyan, and Oyarzabal (cap.) (Sadiq, min. 80).
FC Salzburg: A. Schlager, Dedić, Piątkowski, Pavlović (Morgalla, min. 46), Ulmer (cap.) (Baidoo, min. 84), Bidstrup, Capaldo, Sučić, Nene (Konaté, min. 62), Gloukh (Forson, min. 78), and Ratkov (Šimić, min. 62).
Referee: Mykola Balakin (Ukraine). Aritz and Dedić received yellow cards.