The Real society has qualified for the first time in its history for los Champions League round of 16, since its debut in the 2003/2004 season. Those of Imanol Alguacil they did it like first in group D, which a priori left them with a much more affordable draw ahead of them, against the second in each group. However, luck has not been on the side of the San Sebastián team this Monday in the draw for the round of 16 of the Champions League, as They will have to face what is probably the toughest rival of all possible: he PSG.
Despite this, the Real has earned the right to play the second leg at home, after being ahead of an Inter that last year was a finalist in the top European competition. Imanol already said it in the press conference prior to the last match against the Italian team in the group stage: “If we speculate, we will lose”. And so it was, because not even a field as imposing as the Giuseppe Meazza could make the blue and white team cower. Next step: he Princes Park.
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Mbappé, the bogeyman to avoid
It was precisely the Parisian team that was the bogeyman to avoid among other more desirable teams such as Leipzig (rival of Real Madrid)Copenhagen o Lazio. But Real Sociedad will have to face the almighty PSG, led by Mbappé.
Although It’s not all rosy in the French capital, whose group stage has nothing to envy that of the San Sebastian team. Luis Enrique’s men have only won two games in the six rounds of the Champions League group stage, quite poor numbers for what was expected from the Parisian team. It was in front of Dortmund at home (2-0) with goals from Mbappé and Hakimi and against Milan on matchday three (3-0).
In the rest, Mbappé’s men suffered a tough win (4-1) at Newcastle’s home and they also couldn’t get the three points on their visit to Milan, which finished 2-. On their trip to England, they could only get one point Newscastle (1-1) and in Germany, another at Dortmund (1-1). It certainly wasn’t the group stage expected by a team that boasts of its chances of being European champion. Some poor results that have placed them second in the group with eight pointsthe same as Milan, which is leaving Europa League.
The relentless PSG of a few years ago is not going through its best moment. The departures of Leo Messi and Neymar Last summer they cost a weaker team in attack. Proof of this is its classification with quite a few bumps in the road. Although it is undeniable that it maintains a very complete block, led by Kylian Mbappé and with world-class footballers like Dembele’sColonel Muani, Gonçalo Ramos, Marco AsensioFabián Ruiz, Lee Kang-In or Achraf Hakimi.
The midfield that everyone wants
Luis Enrique faces a team that he knows very well, since he already trained many of its players during his time in the national team and suffered them as Barça coach. It was precisely in Anoeta where The Asturian coach risked his place on the Barça bench. In his memory there is still that 2015 match in which Barça lost against the blue and white in Anoeta (1-0) in a match in which The Barça coach decided to leave his illustrious attackers on the bench: Messi and Neymar, whom he now misses in the French capital. The former FC Barcelona forwards were substitutes along with Rakitic, Piqué and Alves. A photo to remember.
There are many who think that Real Sociedad has one of the best midfield centers in Europe. The trio formed by Brais Mendez, Martín Zubimendi y Mikel Merino It is the envy of the great teams on the continent. In the last game, Imanol had to turn to Zakharyan, who took Brais’ place, after suffering a fractured ulna in the last game against Villarreal and the midfielder made it clear that he is prepared to perform in important events. Imanol has a bench for a while. Ball control, game mastery and ability to search for spaces, helped by effective offensive line led by Kubo and Oyarzabalwho have six and nine goals this season, respectively.
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Nothing to fear: the data that supports Real
He style and personality that this Royal Society exudes It is unquestionable. In LaLiga He is already in European positions and is playing face to face in matches against the biggest players in the table and of course, against the biggest players in Europe. In fact, it is the team with the largest number of players in the Spanish team.
The data speaks for itself. La Real has nothing to fear from PSG and their numbers in Europe this season support it. No defeat in the group stage, compared to two from PSG. His top scorer in the Champions League, Brais Mendez, equals Mbappé’s three goals in this group stage. Defensivelythe people of San Sebastian have nothing to fear either, since They have only conceded two goals thanks to their rocky defense led by Zubeldía and Le Normandcompared to the eight of the Parisian team
It was not an easy group (Inter, Salzburg and Benfica) and the blue and white team did not give up their audacity, personality and style. Neither against Benfica, nor against an Inter that was overwhelmed by the Basque dominance. La Real moved the ball, looking for the best option to reach the rival field against an Interista team that was waiting for them. By minute 15, 80% of the possession belonged to Real Sociedad. This Real is here to stay. From Donostia to Paris.
2023-12-18 13:40:54
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