Real Sociedad had a rough beginning to their LaLiga campaign, falling 2-1 to Rayo Vallecano in their league debut at the Reale Arena. The txuri urdin were the better team but struggled to convert their dominance into goals, while Rayo's clinical finishing proved decisive.
Rayo Vallecano had the first clear chance of the game, but Pacheco made a crucial goal-line save within the first ten seconds. Imanol's side took control of possession. Although they found it challenging to create clear scoring opportunities, they looked more dominant than the visitors. A shot from Turrientes, which narrowly missed the target, and a header from Aritz that grazed the post, could have opened the scoring for the season. Despite their superior play in the first half, they failed to capitalize on their chances.
In the second half, Real Sociedad's pressure increased as they continued to attack Cárdenas' goal. Becker missed a key counter-attack opportunity, and Brais failed to convert a chance from Javi López's shot. Gumbau had a chance for Rayo, but Remiro made a point-blank save. Nonetheless, he couldn't prevent De Frutos’ goal that put Rayo ahead midway through the second half. Real Sociedad pushed hard for an equalizer, with Brais coming close with a clever backheel. However, their comeback hopes were dashed when Camello scored a second goal for Rayo following a turnover. Zubimendi managed to score a late goal for Real Sociedad, but there wasn’t enough time for a full comeback.
A tough start to the season for Real Sociedad. They’ll need to come back strong against RCD Espanyol on Saturday. We are Real.
Match details:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré (Aramburu, 75’), Aritz, Pacheco, Javi López, González de Zárate (Zubimendi, 46’), Turrientes (Barrene, 68’), Brais Méndez, Becker, Take (Sergio Gómez, 68’), and Oyarzabal (c) (Sučić, 82’).
Rayo Vallecano: Cárdenas, Andrei (Balliu, 77’), Mumin, Lejeune, Pacha, Óscar (c), Unai López (Gumbau, 46’), De Frutos (Chavarría, 75’), Embarba (Ciss, 75’), Isi, and Nteka (Camello, 63’).
Goals: 0-1: De Frutos, 67’. 0-2: Camello, 84’. 1-2: Zubimendi, 98’.
Referee: Hernández Hernández. Booked González de Zárate for Real Sociedad and Unai López, Lejeune, Nteka, and Embarba Rayo Vallecano.
Attendance: 31,763 spectators.