It was an immense challenge, and it has proven impossible. Real were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after falling again to Paris Saint-Germain (1-2). Tonight, the visitors showcased their superiority against a team brimming with pride. Despite putting in a wholehearted effort, Real couldn't unsettle the French giant.
Real started the game well, delivering a well-executed cross from Becker that posed a challenge for the opposing defense to clear. The Parisians responded with a close-range shot from Barcola that Remiro managed to save with his leg. The dream began to fade after fifteen minutes. Mbappé, in a standout move, scored the opening goal, rendering the Reale Arena silent. Real were determined and struggled to create opportunities. Kubo, just before halftime, tried his luck with a left-footed shot that narrowly missed Donnarumma's right post.
In the second half, ten minutes in, a rapid counterattack left Mbappé one-on-one against Remiro to beat him low and make it 0-2. The French team displayed consistent superiority and reflected it on the scoresheet with two strikes from their biggest star. Real showed pride, and that's when they enjoyed their best chances. Barrene had a goal disallowed for a razor-thin offside whereas Oyarzabal came incredibly close to converting a cross from the number seven. Zubimendi also had an opportunity after receiving a pass from Traoré, but his shot went wide. The clearest chance came from Turrientes at point-blank range, but even then, they couldn't find the net. Finally, Merino scored the honor goal for San Sebastian after another good chance from Olasagasti.
The txuri urdin European adventure ends here. Unforgettable moments and memorable performances. Now it's time to focus on LaLiga and strive to replicate these performances next season. We are Real.
Match details:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré, Zubeldia (Pacheco, min.77), Le Normand, Javi Galán, Zubimendi (Olasagasti, min.82), Merino, Brais Méndez (Turrientes, min.61), Take, Becker (Barrene, min.61), and Oyarzabal (cap)(André Silva, min.77).
Paris Saint-Germain: Donnarumma, Hakimi (Soler, min.82), Lucas Beraldo, Lucas, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Fabián (Ugarte, min.77), Zire-Emery, Barcola (Kang-In Lee, min.46), Dembelé (Kolo Muani, min.82), and Mbappe (cap).
Goals: 0-1: Mbappé, min.15. 0-2: Mbappé, min.56. 1-2: Merino, min.89.
Referee: Michael Oliver (England). Booked Take and Zubeldia for the home side and Lucas Beraldo, Hakimi, and Dembelé for the visitors.
Attendance: 39,336 spectators.