Real Sociedad missed a key opportunity and fell to defeat at Mendizorrotza, in a match where Alavés’ clinical finishing and the visitors’ lack of attacking spark left them heading back to Donostia empty-handed. It’s a result that further complicates their European ambitions.
After an even start, the txuri urdin began to assert greater control, creating the first real chances. Sergio Gómez threatened with a dangerous cross, and Brais Méndez came close with a header that narrowly missed the target. The first half, however, lacked fluidity and was short on clear chances.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, Take Kubo went close with a shot that flashed just wide. Alavés, who had only threatened from set-pieces, took the lead from a corner with a well-placed header by Tenaglia. La Real were unable to respond and failed to create any clear chances until the dying moments, when Óskarsson found the net, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.
A poor performance and a damaging defeat for Real Sociedad’s European hopes. We are Real.
Match details:
Deportivo Alavés: Sivera, Tenaglia, Mourinho, Garcés, Manu Sánchez, Jordán (Guevara, min.46), Antinio Blanco, Guridi (Benavidez, min.71), Carlos Vicente, Carlos Martín and Kike García (Toni Martínez, min.78).
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu (Aritz, min.66), Martín, Pacheco, Javi López, Zubimendi, Marín (Mariezkurrena, min.76), Brais Méndez (Sucic, min.66), Sergio Gómez (Becker, min.76), Take (Óskarsson, min.66) and Oyarzabal (cap).
Goals: 1-0: Tenaglia, min.65.
Referee: Busquets Ferrer. Booked Carlos Vicente, Sivera and Antonio Blanco for Alavés and Aramburu, Mariezkurrena, Óskarsson and Aritz for Real Sociedad.