Real Sociedad returns from Paris with defeat (2-0). Although they played on even terms and displayed great competitiveness, the second-half onslaught from the hosts proved too much for the txuri urdin. Now, they face the challenge of mounting a comeback in three weeks at the Reale Arena.
Real Sociedad got off to a good start, yet a couple of midfield turnovers resulted in a notable chance for the home team, requiring Remiro to stand firm against Mbappé. As the minutes passed, the realistas felt more comfortable on the field and had a good chance through André Silva. However, his header narrowly missed the target. The match remained balanced, although the Parisians were slightly more incisive in attack. Towards the end of the first half, Imanol's side dominated possession, and in almost the last action, Merino shot from outside the box, hitting the crossbar. What a missed opportunity.
In the second half, the game followed similar patterns, but during a corner kick, with Traoré receiving treatment off the field, Mbappé nodded in a header from the second post following a flick-on from another player. Real Sociedad didn’t deserve to be behind. They struggled to maintain possession, while the French team gained confidence. Mbappé, from outside the box, replicated Merino's shot from the first half, hitting the crossbar. In a quick action, with Real Sociedad still trying to react, Barcola slotted the ball low past Remiro, making the challenge even more difficult.
An epic comeback lies ahead. It's a daunting task, but we must give it our all until the end, fueled by the strength and determination of everyone. We are Real.
Match details:
Paris Saint-Germain: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos (captain), Danilo (Lucas Hernández, min.72), Lucas Beraldo, Fabián, Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Barcola (Asensio, min.72), Dembelé (Kolo Muani, min.83), and Mbappé.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré, Zubeldia, Le Normand (Pacheco, min.79), Javi Galán (Aramburu, min.88), Zubimendi, Merino (captain), Brais Méndez (Turrientes, min.79), Barrene (Zakharyan, min.66), Take, and André Silva (Sadiq, min.79).
Goals: 1-0: Mbappé, min.57. 2-0: Barcola, min.71.
Referee: Marco Guida (Italy). Booked Le Normand and Traoré for Real Sociedad.