Real did everything to win, but the giants of Europe don't forgive easily. Despite eighty outstanding minutes, the final minutes of the match, in which the Italians were superior, condemned the txuri urdin to a bitter draw. Victory was within reach, but this is the best competition in the world, and everything must be done right in order to win.
It was as if they had been playing in the Champions League for their entire lives. That's how Real got into the game, pressuring Inter high up the pitch. In the second minute, Barrenetxea came close to scoring with a left-footed shot that hit the woodwork. In the fourth minute, after colossal pressure from Mikel Oyarzabal, Brais Méndez took advantage of Bastoni's mistake to beat Sommer and ignite the Reale Arena even further. The Inter side barely approached the txuri urdin box, with Arnautovic's off-target header being their most notable action of the first half. Before halftime, Imanol's team accelerated again, always pressing high, and had some other good opportunities to score. Le Normand with a header and Tierney, were not far from doubling the lead.
Real came out all guns blazing in the second half. Mikel Oyarzabal had a header for a goal after a free-kick from Brais was cleared by Sommer, but he couldn't convert it. A real pity, as it was a clear chance. Equally sharp was Merino's header, which, from a corner delivered by Take, hit the crossbar. In the final ten minutes, Real felt the physical sacrifice, and the Italians grew stronger, equalizing through Lautaro. A deflected shot turned into an excellent assist.
Real starts the championship with a point that could have been three. Inter took an unexpected point, but that's how Europe works. Nevertheless, it was a great txuri urdin performance and this team has proven that it can compete with anyone. Go, Real!
Match Sheet:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Tierney (Aihen, min.62), Zubimendi, Merino, Brais Méndez (Pacheco, min.85), Barrene (Cho, min.62), Take (Odriozola, min.72), and Oyarzabal (captain)(Sadiq, min.72).
FC Internazionale: Sommer, Pavard, De Vrij (Acervi, min.76), Bastoni (Dimarco, min.55), Asllani (Fratessi, min.55), Barella, Mkhitaryan (Alexis Sánchez, min.69), Dumfries, Augusto, Arnautovic (Thuram, min.55), and Lautaro (captain).
Goal: 1-0: Brais Méndez, min.4. 1-1: Lautaro, min.87
Referee: Michel Oliver (England). Booked Traoré and Zubeldia for Real Sociedad and Asllani, Mikhitaryan, and Fratessi for Inter.
Attendance: 36,591 spectators.