Real Sociedad earned a valuable 1-1 draw in Belgium on Thursday, a result that keeps their UEFA Europa League group stage hopes alive. Substitute Beñat Turrientes opened the scoring before Sekou Keita equalised for Union Saint-Gilloise in the 88th minute. This result follows a 1-1 league draw against Union St. Gilloise on Thursday 15 October, where Turrientes also scored, in the 46th minute.
The match, played at Den Dreef in Leuven, showed a Real side capable of adapting and grinding out a result. Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo set up in a 4-3-3, but the team displayed defensive flexibility, dropping into a back five when needed. Despite having only 44% possession, La Real created more danger, registering 16 shots to the home side's five, though only one was on target.
Impact from the bench
The halftime change proved decisive. Yangel Herrera made way for Turrientes, and the 24-year-old midfielder needed just a minute to score. A high press forced an error from the Union goalkeeper and Turrientes finished coolly. The goal settled a team sitting sixth in La Liga with 13 points, looking to build momentum domestically. However, the side is eleven points behind leaders Barcelona in the title race.
Union's reply came late. A set-piece delivery found Sekou Keita, who had come on six minutes earlier, and his powerful header beat Unai Marrero. The Real Sociedad keeper, who had made four saves up to that point, was left with no chance.
Reaction and what's next
Captain Mikel Oyarzabal was a lively presence and connected with the travelling support, applauding them at the end and even giving his shirt to a fan. The team now turns its focus to the next La Liga fixture, a trip to bottom side Malaga on Sunday 18 October. With the standings tightly packed, every point is key in the climb up the table.
Real go into that match following an inconsistent run of form, with two wins, one draw and two losses in their last five matches. The team has scored 12 goals and conceded 15 in the league season. The team's top scorer this campaign is Luka Sučić with three goals. Their next European outing will be key for their knockout stage aspirations.
