La Real gave it their all and tried to score but in the end, the ball just did not want to go in. The txuri urdin had to face an Italian team whose coach loves defense. Moreover, Mourinho’s side were in the driving seat after the first-leg tie (2-0 win). Given all of these constraints, it was time for the txuri urdin to break the Roman wall, but they were unable to do so. The match ended in a goalless draw at the Reale and, although we went out with our heads held high, we were eliminated from the UFA Europa League.
La Real were obliged to fulfill and imposible task, however, the team came out all guns blazing. The realistas did begin to build up a rhythm whereas Roma were shamelessly stuck in the back and wasting time in a brazen way. As expected, their robustness prevented the Realistas from creating clear chances. After half an hour, Brais and Merino enjoyed the first opportunities but Rui Patricio denied them.
The second half started with a clear chance for Sorloth, who failed to head in Brais' cross. Roma did not go beyond the midfield in the entire second half, remaining faithful to the defensive soccer they were betting on. With twenty minutes to go, the home side were very unlucky. From a corner kick, Oyarzabal tried his luck with his right foot, but his strike met Rui Patricio. On the rebound, Mikel himself shot against the crossbar, the ball bouncing near the line. The final minutes were more about passion and pride than strategy and it didn't work either.
This is the end of our European campaign this season. Great moments and a thorn in the flesh. We will try again next season, because we will be here again. Aurrera, Reala!
Match sheet:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel (Sola, min.71), Zubeldia, Le Normand, Rico, Zubimendi, Merino, Silva, Brais Méndez (Cho, min.78), Oyarzabal (cap)(Take, min.71) and Sorloth (Carlos Fdez., min.62).
AS Roma: Rui Patricio, Karsdorp (Zalewski, min.41), Smalling, Ibáñez, Mancini, Spinazzola, Wijnaldum, Cristante, Pellegrini (cap) (Bove, min.89), Dybala (El Shararawy, min.75) and Belloti (Abraham, min.75).
Árbitro: Kovacs (Romania). Booked Zubeldia and Rico for Real Sociedad and Karsdorp, Mancini and Smalling. Carlos Fernández was sent off in the minute 97)
Attendance: 35,040 spectators.