Real secured its first victory in the competition by defeating FC Salzburg in a superb first half. The txuri urdin were significantly superior over the Austrians and currently have four points in two matchdays thanks to goals from Oyarzabal and Brais. The realistas gave a terrific performance today in front of 500 admirers who traveled from Gipuzkoa.
The match couldn't have started better. After a couple of warnings from Barrene and Oyarzabal, it was the captain who, capitalizing on a delivery from Brais, crafted the one-nil on his own. Already inside the box, he beat the Austrian goalkeeper low. The goal increased the realistas' confidence as they played with poise and authority. As a result, before the half-hour mark, a Brais added a second. The Galician, after several short passes in their own half, covered fifty meters and, holding on until the end of the play, scored the second with a well-placed shot. Oyarzabal had the opportunity to score a third, but he missed it after finishing a fantastic delivery from Barrene. It was a crucial first half, with pinpoint accuracy.
The second half began similarly, however the hosts pressed harder. A penalty awarded by the referee and corrected by VAR frightened the realistas, but the game quickly settled down as Imanol's team desired. There were no chances, other for a wide shot by Carlos Fernández, but the match was under control at all times.
Real maintains a high level of performance regardless of who plays or where they play. Now for the fun part! Aurrera Reala!
Match sheet:
FC Salzburg: Schlager, Dedic, Solet (Baidoo, min.46), Pavlovic, Terzic, Gloukh (Sucic, min.79), Gourna-Douath, Bidstrup (Capaldo, min.67), Kjaergaard (Amankwah, min.46), Konate (Ratkov, min.46), and Simic.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré (Aritz, min. 84), Zubeldia, Le Normand (Pacheco, min.46), Aihen, Zubimendi, Merino, Brais Méndez (Turrientes, min. 82), Barrene (Carlos Fernández, min.64), Take (Cho, min.64), and Oyarzabal (captain).
Goals: 0-1: Oyarzabal, min.7. 0-2: Brais Méndez, min.27.
Referee: Bartosz Frankowski (Poland). Booked Oumar Solet, Pavlovic, and Baidoo, for FC Salzburd and Le Normand and Brais Méndez for Real Sociedad.