It could happen but we didn’t expect it. Real fell to SSC Napoli 0-1 in the second round of Europa League group stage matches. A goal by Politano in the second half condemned Real to a defeat they didn’t deserve. Europe doesn’t forgive.
Match day looked different tonight as the game was played without fans in the stands, another nod to how the pandemic has upended the world of sports. The match began very even, with the Italian side attacking Remiro’s area. Insigne and Mario Rui tried to beat our goalkeeper but their shots went wide. For their part, the hosts had the control of the ball. The first chance for Real fell to Merino but his header went wide after connecting with a great ball in from Gorosabel. The score was 0-0 at the break.
In the second half, the txuri urdin played at a high tempo but they had no luck. Napolitano put SSC Napoli front with a powerful shot from long range. Despite the best chances being for the Italians, it was so frustrating. Real continued pushing. Portu could have scored the equaliser with a shot from inside the box. However, Ospina denied it. The txuri urdin kept trying until the final whistle but to no avail.
This defeat affects our European plans but we have to move on. Next Thursday, Real will face AZ Alkmaar at the Reale Arena.
Match sheet:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel (Barrenetxea, min.78), Aritz, Le Normand, Monreal, Guevara, Merino (Zubimendi, min.78), Silva, Oyarzabal (cap)(Guridi, min.86), Portu (Bautista, min.67) and Isak (Willian José, min67).
SSC Napoli: Ospina, Hysaj, Maksimovic, Koulibaly, Mario Rui, Demme (Fabián, min.88), Bakayoko, Lobotka (Mertens, min.61), Politano (Di Lorenzo, min.61), Insigne (cap)(Lozano, min.22) and Petagna (Osimhen, min.61).
Goal: 0-1: Napolitano, min.55.
Referee: Craig Pawson (Inglaterra). Booked Le Normand for Real Sociedad. Osimhen was sent out in the 92nd minute.
