Imanol’s squad secures three key points in Austria with a scorching first half that produced two goals.
Real Sociedad celebrate a victory that places them atop their group after defeating RB Salzburgo, thanks to a dominant start masterminded by Imanol Alguacil’s players. In the second 45, the hosts pressed forward with momentum, dominating possession and complicating the Txuri-Urdin goalkeeper’s task, especially in the closing minutes when Nicolas Capaldo’s lone shot on target required a decisive save from the Basque stopper.
Salzburg’s continued pressure in the final stretch could not translate into a goal as Real Sociedad’s compact, well-organized defense stifled the Austrian side’s advances. The half-time substitution of Petar Ratkov refreshed the visitors’ attack, yet his link with Roko Simić didn’t unlock the Real defense, which stayed stubborn and resolute as the match wore on. Real persisted in absorbing pressure, ultimately absorbing the late Salzburg push without conceding further harm.
Real Sociedad climbs to first in the group, pending the outcome of Inter versus Benfica, while RB Salzburg leave with three points ahead of a clash against the Italian side in the next round.
In this report, Goal reviews all the events from the Salzburg versus Real Sociedad match in the Champions League season covered here:
Minute-by-minute: RB Salzburg vs Real Sociedad Champions League 2023-24
Live summary: RB Salzburg vs Real Sociedad, Champions League 2023-24 — goals, plays, and stats
49′ Bartosz Frankowski consults the VAR monitor after a challenge on Alex Remiro by a Croatian forward, ruling out a possible penalty call for RB Salzburg. The decision negates a clear opportunity for a spot-kick in favor of the home side.
47′ Penalty for RB Salzburg! The ball in the area bounces between central defenders as Roko Simić traps it and Álex Remiro arrives late, bringing the striker down. The assistant referee signals the decision, nudging the home team closer on the scoreboard as play resumes for the second half.
Real Sociedad went into the interval in front thanks to a measured, aggressive display. The visitors began with high pressure, pressing Salzburg into mistakes and forcing early setbacks. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring with a precise strike from outside the box, leaving Alexander Schlager with no chance. The pulsating tempo unsettled the Salzburg defense, while Real’s relentless press kept the hosts on the back foot. A moment later, Brais Méndez doubled the lead by taking advantage of a broke clearance and finishing with a composed finish in a counterattack that stemmed from pressure high up the pitch. The Salzburg back line showed signs of vulnerability as Real extended their initiative and threatened a third before the break.
27′ Goooooooool! Brais Méndez finishes a rapid counter after a recovery high up the pitch by Mikel Merino. The combination moves build through Méndez, Kubo, and Merino before Méndez calmly finishes in the far corner, giving Real Sociedad a two-goal cushion.
7′ Goooooooooool! Mikel Oyarzabal finishes cleanly after a patient buildup on the right. A precise pass from Brais Méndez transfers the ball to the Basque attacker, who slots it past the keeper in a composed finish that puts Real ahead in Austria.
RB Salzburg’s attempts to respond persisted. A few moments saw promising runs from Karim Konaté, but Real Sociedad’s defense, alert and well-organized, repelled the pressure and kept control of the game. As the match progressed, Real’s midfield and defense maintained balance, with timely clearances and smart pressing preventing Salzburg from creating clear chances after the break.
RB SALZBURG XI
XI OF THE ROYAL POWER
Source: Goal