Troublesome

La Real picked up one point at the Reale Arena against Valencia CF. A permissive referee until Aritz’s red, which was exaggerated, an unfriendly opponent and an uninspired in attack Real Sociedad led to a goalless draw.

La Real were superior to the valencianistas in the first half. The strength and intensity shown by the txuri urdin at the start of the game gradually increased as the first half went on but the realistas just had one chance through Merino, who sent his shot wide. With seven yellow cards, Bordalás side were overcome by Imanol’s side who pressed high, combined well and set up camp outside the opposition box with increasing intent. However, they lacked precision.

The side from Valencia grew into the game after the break but didn’t enjoy clear opportunities. La Real had the contol of the match but lacked accuracy in decisive moments. Fifteen minutes before the final whistle, Aritz was sent off and la Real were reduced to ten men. The txuri urdin kept pushing but it was hard. Isak tried his luck with a low shot that was denied by the keeper. Maxi Gómez could have scored the winning goal in stoppage time but his shot hit a defender. 

One point which is not enough. This team wants more and have to continue this positive run. Next up for Real is a match in Monaco. Aupa, Real!

 

Match sheet:

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel, Aritz (cap), Le Normand, Rico, Guevara (Zubimendi, min.60), Merino, Silva (Turrientes, min.84), Januzaj (Portu, min.84), Barrenetxea (Oyarzabal, min.60) and Isak (Sorloth, min.84).

Valencia CF: Cillesen, Foulquier, Diakhaby, Omar Alderete, Gayá (cap), Racic (Musah, min.76), Wass (Marcos André, min.89), Soler, Helder Costa, Guedes (Maxi Gómez, min.67) and Hugo Duro (Koba Lein, min.76).

Referee: Melero López. Cautioned Guevara, Rico, Turrientes and Gorosabel for Real Sociedad and Gayá, Fouquier, Waas, Musa, Koba Lein, Helder Costa and Alderete for Valencia CF. Aritz was sent off in the minute 76.

Attendance: 28,635 spectators.