Sometimes, a point at home feels good. Real Sociedad started the season with a draw against Deportivo Alavés. Despite Remirowas sent off in the first half, the team from Gipuzkoa showed determination and managed to secure a point in injury time.
The match began with local dominance, albeit Alavés had the first clear chance when Zubeldia stopped Guridi's clear attempt against Remiro. The txuri urdin had only one dangerous chance, a header by Merino that went past the crossbar. After the half-hour mark, Remiro touched the ball with his hand outside the area and was shown a red card.
Much wasn’t happening in the second half until Merino fouled Guevara following a set-piece, and Rioja converted the penalty, fooling Marrero. It was then a desperate attempt to equalize in a setting where the team is not typically at ease. They came close to a tie when Kubo's effort hit the crossbar and Sadiq's header was saved by Sivera. When it seemed all was lost, Zubimendi pounced on a loose ball in the box to score the equalizer. Merino nearly secured victory for Real in the dying moments after a cross from Sadiq.
Real Sociedad starts the year with a draw, which is deemed acceptable given the circumstances. Many challenges and motivations lie ahead in 2024. Go! We are Real!
Match sheet:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Tierney (Aihen, min.92), Zubimendi, Merino, Brais Méndez (Sadiq, min.86), Take (Zakharyan, min.92), Oyarzabal (cap)(Barrene, min.86), and André Silva (Marrero, min.39).
Deportivo Alavés: Sivera, Gorosabel, Tenaglia, Marín, Javi López, Blanco (Carlos, min.55), Guevara, Guridi (Benavidez, min.70), Rebbach (Kike, min.55), Rioja (cap)(Alkain, min.94), and Samu (Giuliano, min.70).
Goal: 0-1: Rioja (pen.), min.76; 1-1: Merino, min. 97
Referee: García Verdura. Booked Zubeldia, Traoré, Carlos Fernández, Oyarzabal, and Sadiq for Real Sociedad and Rebbach and Samu for Deportivo Alavés. Remiro was sent off with a straight red card in the 35th minute.
Attendance: 34,051 spectators.