Real Sociedad vs Roma: Europa League clash ends in exit for Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad, considered the more polished side, came up short against Mourinho’s Roma and bowed out of the competition.

The Basque club pressed relentlessly, hunting for a goal from the opening whistle. Yet Rui Patricio stood firm behind a compact Roma defense, and the visitors’ structure limited any clear chances. Oyarzabal carried the weight of a potential turning point in the second half, twice threatening in quick succession: a shot saved by Patricio and a follow-up strike cannoning off the crossbar.

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Sorloth and Zubeldia sent powerful headers narrowly off target, but fortune did not swing in Real Sociedad’s favor. Sevilla, in this tie, remained the only Spanish club left in the Europa League quarterfinals as Real Sociedad exited the competition.

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Minute by minute Real Sociedad vs. Roma

Press conferences and statements from Real Sociedad vs. Roma

Jose Mourinho in Movistar+: “The match was demanding, very demanding, but our progress was earned. We entered with a high tempo in the stadium, and we lowered it as the game went on.”

Imanol Bailiff at a press conference: “We came very close to leveling. It is rare for Roma to feel under danger, but small moments decide. Even if the goal had arrived in the 80th minute, dreams would have persisted. If the first goal had come earlier, we could have believed in a comeback.”

“I can only thank the fans for the warm reception from start to finish. If the players and I feel frustration about this exit, it means we were close, but the first leg’s emotions still linger.”

“Since the group stage, the team’s work has been extraordinary. I am more proud than yesterday of what we have achieved, and we must keep improving to advance further in Europe.”

“The aim was to create chances and outplay the opponent. We did better in that regard, but the areas were decisive. The draw was fair, and Roma earned it on balance. The squad will emerge stronger for the remainder of the season.”

“There is no fear about the lack of goals because the priority is to generate them. The low block used against Roma produced many opportunities. I critique myself along with the players; we need to avoid wasting chances and keep refining our play.”

“The Champions League remains the ultimate target, because Real Sociedad sits fourth and wants to maintain that position.”

Mourinho at a press conference: “We are an Italian side that faced a tough test from first to last. Smalling’s goal was rightly disallowed, yet the draw reflected a tight encounter.”

“If Cristante cannot play, that creates trouble. When fresh, he brings tactical discipline and awareness of movements, which showed in today’s performance.”

“Speaking about individuals misses the point; this was a team victory that should be measured by collective effort.”

“Physical readiness will be tested with upcoming fixtures and a Europa League calendar; the squad depth matters. If we had lost, there would have been pressure, but the win changes the outlook.”

“Italian football deserves to regain prestige in Europe. Three Italian teams remain in the Champions League mix; Roma, Juventus, and another club have displayed their intent to compete at the highest level.”

Imanol Sheriff in Movistar+: “It was unfortunate for the team’s commitment and play. Roma’s squad showed how to compete. They barely allowed us chances, and scoring first could have opened the door to a larger aspiration.”

Videos, lineups and news from Real Sociedad vs. Roma

90′ + 7 FINAL! Real Sociedad is eliminated despite a spirited display. Carlos Fernández received a red card after a clash with Smalling.

90′ 7 minutes of stoppage time added.

Mourinho makes his final substitutions.

76′ Real Sociedad keeps pressing; Kubo’s long-range effort narrowly misses the far post.

74′ Zubeldia almost found the opener from a superb cross, but the header skimmed over the bar.

67′ Oyarzabal twice came close in a single move; Patricio saved the first attempt and the rebound struck the crossbar. The stadium held its breath.

62′ Carlos Fernández enters for Sorloth as the tactical reshuffle begins.

61′ Real Sociedad regains intensity, pushing Roma back and winning the battle in midfield for a spell.

53′ A dangerous cross from Real Sociedad finds Brais Méndez, but Wijnaldum reads the play and clears at the last moment.

46′ Sorloth heads narrowly wide after a precise delivery from Brais Méndez.

The second half begins with Real Sociedad seeking a breakthrough in the Reale Arena, needing a goal to swing the tie.

45′ + 5 Half-time arrives with the scoreboard blank; Real Sociedad had shown promise late in the first period but could not convert the chances created.

45′ + 1 GOAL CANCELLED FOR ROMA! Smalling was penalized for a handball near the finish; the Real Sociedad defense breathed again.

45′ The tempo drops as both teams consolidate; five minutes of stoppage time are announced.

40′ Karsdorp exits the field after a clash, forcing a change in Roma’s plans.

30′ Silva rescues a ball and sets up Oyarzabal in a promising position; the shot lands in Patricio’s hands.

29′ Real Sociedad’s build-up culminates in a strike from Brais Méndez saved by Patricio, the first on target for the Basques.

22′ Diego Rico tests the goalkeeper from distance; the shot drifts wide after an earlier corner.

14′ Dybala’s run ends with a shot from the edge of the box, narrowly deflected by Sorloth, sending the ball wide.

12′ Zubeldia receives a yellow card for a tough challenge on Spinazzola; the risk of losing the tie with a second booking looms for Real Sociedad.

10′ Early intensity from Roma, yet Real Sociedad gradually imposes an organized press and pushes forward.

1′ The ball is rolling in San Sebastián; Real Sociedad begins the push for a decisive comeback.

the hobby txuri-urdin believes in a comeback

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Roma’s starting lineup shows four changes from the previous week: Ibáñez, Mancini, Spinazzola, and Wijnaldum brought in to reinforce the midfield and defense.

Here is the Real Sociedad lineup that searches for a comeback: Oyarzábal pairs with Sorloth at the tip of the attack, and Brais Méndez introduces a new element to the attack compared with the Rome first leg lineup.

Summary of Real Sociedad vs. Roma

All figures and statistics of Real Sociedad vs. Roma

Source: Goal