In a real league setting marked by intensity, the matchup showcased the stubborn resilience of Real Sociedad and the disciplined defense of Omonia Nicosia. Real Sociedad opened with pressure, aiming to break through the Cypriot rearguard that had been praised for its solidity. Guevara found space and connected with a speculative long-range shot that flashed past the near post, giving Real the early emotional lift. But Omonia found a lifeline in the game’s physical rhythm. Bruno capitalized on a rare defensive lapse to narrow the gap, turning chance into goal with a composed finish. The sequence underscored how a single moment of clarity could alter the dynamic of a tightly fought contest, and Sorloth, receiving a smart pass from Kubo, eventually unlocked the game with a deft strike that looked almost inevitable once the move clicked.
Imanol Alguacil watched his team dictate tempo in the first half as Omonia deployed a hard-to-penetrate defensive plan. The Cypriots sat compact, denying lines of attack and forcing Real Sociedad to seek angles through a crowded middle. The initial threat came from Brais Méndez, who won possession high on the field and drove a shot that tested Fabiano at close range. Another attempt from the top of the box forced a reaction from the keeper, with Aritz Elustondo joining the attack to apply extra pressure on the visitors. The momentum swung in favor of Real Sociedad as their wing play intensified, repeatedly asking questions of the visiting defense.
Mini battles developed on the right side, where Álex Sola battled to create a window for a decisive cross. A potential penalty call arose when Sola collided with Kitsos inside the box, though the referee chose not to award a spot kick. Real’s right flank stayed active throughout the first half, and their persistence began translating into clearer chances as the minutes passed. The game remained evenly poised as both sides searched for ways to unlock the opposition’s set structure.
With about half an hour played, Guevara surged forward to chase a loose ball near the touchline and directed a precise, curling shot that slipped just inside the left post, leaving Fabiano no chance. The strike illustrated Real Sociedad’s growing confidence and their readiness to capitalize on quick transitions inside a compact visiting defense. The hosts continued to press, seeking a second goal that would quiet any lingering doubt and push the game further in their favour.
After the break, the pattern persisted. Real Sociedad maintained control, and their advantage allowed them to operate with a sense of security—an edge that sometimes dulls the urgency but not the necessity. Omonia, for their part, defended with discipline and offered sporadic counterattacks that tested the center of Real’s back line. The match saw fewer clear creases for the Cypriots but remained a test of nerve and organization for both teams. Imanol Alguacil’s side continued to press and build, knowing a second goal would leave little room for doubt.
Sorloth stretched Real Sociedad’s lead with a powerful finish on the counter after a strong run that required Fabiano to make a sharp save to keep the scoreline honest. The moment looked to have sealed the game, but a lapse in the defensive balance—accentuated by a miscommunication between Elustondo and Remiro—allowed Bruno to surface and deliver an equalizer. The goal came from a long ball played by Miletic, controlled on the chest, and fired beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. The sequence underscored that even a well-structured plan can be unsettled by a single miscue against a determined opponent.
The late stages saw Real Sociedad wake up with renewed urgency. The home side shifted through gears, pressing higher and seeking a decisive breakthrough. A notable moment arrived around the 80th minute when Kubo exploited space on a long ball from Gorosabel, crafting a setup that allowed Sorloth to score on his second opportunity of the night. The finish reinforced Real Sociedad’s intent to reclaim the lead and press for another score that would secure victory in front of their supporters.
An unusual interruption interrupted play as the match was halted due to a spectator incident in the Reale Arena stands. Referee Kristo Tohver paused proceedings to ensure the safety and well-being of all in attendance. After a brief delay of about two minutes, the game resumed and Real Sociedad maintained their composure, closing out the match with the scoreline restored and no further trouble on the field. The evening’s events reflected the round’s blend of competitive football and the occasional spectacle that accompanies high-stakes European fixtures.
Data sheet
Real Sociedad
Álex Sola (Gorosabel, 75′), Elustondo, Zubeldia, Diego Rico, Illarramendi (Benat Turrientes, 75′), Guevara, Merino (Robert Navarro, 61′), Brais, Ali Cho (Sorloth, 61′), Karrikaburu (Kubo) (61′).
Omonia Nicosia
Fabian; Psaltis (Matthews, 65′), Kitsos, Panayiotou, Miletic, Yuste (Lang, 50′), Bachirou, Mix (Papoulis, 65′), Cassamá (Charalampous, 13′), Loizou, Ansarifard (Bruno, 65′).
targets
1-0 M.29 Guevara. 1-1 M.72 Bruno. 2-1 M.81 Sorloth.
Judge
Kristo Tohver (Estonia). TA: Elustondo (86′) / Mix (2′), Bachirou (82′) and Lang (92′).
Stadium
Royal Sand