Data sheet:
Real Sociedad advanced to the next round of the Europa League after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol, a match that showcased a team built around self-trained players and disciplined defense.
Just before halftime, Sorloth found the net and, with goals from Rico and Navarro after the break, the final result reflected the superior performance of Imanol Alguacil’s side, who played with a numerical advantage after Zohouri received a second yellow card.
There were no surprises in the tactical setup. Real Sociedad controlled possession with a five-man defense, denying Sheriff space and closing gaps rather than chasing risk. As Alguacil had hinted earlier, the approach was all about patience and control.
One notable change in the starting XI was Turrientes, who offered an early warning with a high free kick. Sorloth continued to threaten from the right, and Brais supported from the left after Turrientes delivered a corner that Celeadnic had to stop in two stages.
The action on the pitch captured the visitors’ struggles as Carlos Fernández and Brais tested the posts with shots that found resistance from the goalkeeper.
As the match wore on, Zohouri drew a caution for a foul and later contested Rico in a ball fight, receiving a second bookable offense that left Sheriff with a clear numerical disadvantage.
Real Sociedad extended the pressure after the break, though there was still glimpses of Sheriff’s stubborn defense. Sorloth finally struck with a diagonal effort from the right flank that beat Celeadnic to open the scoring at the 45th minute, sending the home crowd into a celebratory mood. The first half ended with Real leading 1-0 and in full control of the encounter.
The home side managed the game with smart rotation and careful ball retention, resting Silva and Carlos Fernandez while bringing on Karrikaburu and Navarro. The substitution pattern kept the tempo high and retained the tactical balance that defined Real Sociedad’s performance on the night.
Reinforcements and renewed energy followed as Brais again came close to a second goal, his shot finding the upper corner before Celeadnic palmed the ball away. Shortly after, Karrikaburu pressured the Sheriff defense and forced a reaction from the goalkeeper, underscoring Real Sociedad’s relentless push for a second goal.
Real finally found the second goal in the 65th minute when Turrientes switched play and Navarro advanced through the middle, allowing Rico to surge forward and apply the finish. The seal was put on the win as Navarro doubled the advantage, and the home side celebrated with a clear path to the next stage of the competition.
The atmosphere at the Reale Arena reflected a party in support of the home team, with local players González de Zárate and Arambarri joining the action and lifting the spirits of the stands. Navarro and Karrikaburu combined in the 81st minute as Guevara delivered a precise cross that found Kubo in the heart of the area, where Navarro only had to apply the finish to cap the scoring.
Turrientes remained sharp in the final minutes, while the night also saw attention elsewhere in the group as Manchester United edged past Omonia Nicosia. Despite the Cyprus setback, Real Sociedad’s draw with United in the prior tie would still leave them on course to lead the group and secure progression into the knockout rounds, avoiding the pre-last-16 hurdle should results hold in the remaining fixtures.
In the end, the match was played before a crowd of more than twenty-five thousand at the Reale Arena, confirming Real Sociedad’s strong showing and their advance in a competition that rewards teams with clear structure and resilience.
Data sheet: 3 – Real Sociedad: Remiro; Le Normand, Pacheco, Rico; Guevara, Turrientes, Brais, Silva; Carlos Fernández, Sorloth, Karrikaburu. 0 – Sheriff Tiraspol: Celeadnic; Guedes, Armel, Kiki, Radeljic; Kpozo, Diop, Mudasiru; Pernambuco, Rasheed, Da Silva. Goals: 1-0 Sorloth 45, 2-0 Rico 65, 3-0 Navarro 81. Referee: Enea Jorgji. Attendance: 25,806 at the Reale Arena.