It was a good result at Balaídos. The realistas drew 1-1 with Celta in a match which in the beginning lacked a bit of gas in the tank but stayed switched on until the end. With 89 on the clock, Juanmi scored the equalizer conferring a slight advantage on Real.
On their first competitive match, none of the teams went all out. In the first half, the hosts nearly broke the deadlock trough Sisto and Hjulsager but their efforts hit the post. Meanwhile, the txuri-urdin players stood strong. Oyarzabal was close to score but Sergio produced a brilliant save to deny Mikel.
The second half began and the team from Vigo took the lead in the 58th minute. Iago Aspas slotted home to open the scoring. Therefore, Real reacted and the coach made some changes which resulted in a goal at the end of the game. Real could have scored earlier but they finally did it in the 89th minute. Aritz provided the perfect cross for Juanmi, who stabbed home to make it 1-1. It is a good result. However, we must not be overconfident. The second leg will be played at Anoeta in a month. Aúpa Real!
Line-ups:
Celta de Vigo: Rubén, Kevin, D. Costas, Araujo, Junior A., Okay, Lobotka (F. Beltrán, min.73), Hjulsager, Sisto (Emre Mor, min.46), Iago Aspas (cap) and Dennis E (Brais, min.46).
Real Sociedad: Gero Rulli, Aritz, Llorente R., H. Moreno, Theo, Zubeldia, R. Pardo (Illarra, min.75), Zurutuza (cap), Januzaj (Willian J., min.62), Oyarzabal (Juanmi, min.71) and Sandro.
Goals: 1-0: Iago Aspas, min.58. 1-1: Juanmi, min.89.
Referee: Munuera Montero. Cautioned Brais Méndez and Kevin Vázquez for Celta and Llorente, Oyarzabal, Zurutuza, H. Moreno, Aritz and Illarra for Real.