Once again, victory slipped through our fingers at Anoeta. After a very even game, Real lost against Valencia CF, whose only goal was scored by Gameiro.
We were expecting the visiting team to put up a good fight. They had not yet scored this season, and their goal thirst nearly matched our eagerness to score in our new home ground. Real started off well but didn’t reach the attacking end as often as we would have liked to. Valencia was not on their best game either, but after the thirty-minute mark they had their first big break and Gameiro efficiently secured 0-1. Our clearest chance to score was created by Aritz’s header from close range, but Neto saved it with his feet. By half-time, Real was behind.
It was therefore essential to get on top of our game in the second half. Willian Jose had a great opportunity to score a penalty, but Neto saved it again. This, together with Oyarzabal’s shot assisted by Sandro (in his first official match as a txuri urdin player), was the best chance of a match where our squad failed to put enough pressure on the rival. Valencia used their advantage to push for the second goal. In the last few minutes of the match, Real did not manage to create any real chances, which is a bad sign for the team.
This defeat makes us feel like we are depriving our fans of a much-deserved reason to celebrate. Let us hope the odds are in our favor at the San Mamés derby next week.
Lineups:
Real Sociedad: Moyá, Zaldua (Sandro, min.46), Aritz, Raúl Navas, Rodrigues, Zubeldia, Illarra, Merino (R. Pardo, min.16), Zurutuza, Oyarzabal (Bautista, min.76) and Willian J.
Valencia CF: Neto, Rubén Vezo, Gabriel Paulista, Diakhaby, Lato, Kondogbia (Coquelin, min.76), Parejo (cap), Carlos Soler, Cheryshev (Gonçalo Guedes, min. 60), Gameiro and Batshuayi (Rodrigo, min.68).
Goal: 0-1: Gameiro, min.36.
Referee: Gil Manzano. Cautioned Zubeldia, Aritz and Sandro for Real Sociedad and Lato, Cheryshev, Carlos Soler, Neto and Rubén Vezo for Valencia CF.
Attendance: 23,577.