Highlight Real Sociedad 1 - 1 Sturm Graz: Draw leaves questions over Sociedad

A 1-1 draw between Real Sociedad and Sturm Graz at the Reale Arena saw the hosts suffer a serious blow to their qualifying ambitions from Group B of the UEFA Europa League (UEL).The current La Liga leaders however, are now undefeated in 15 straight games.

Despite Sturm Graz having lost all three of their UEL games this season, they presented a sturdy challenge to Real Sociedad and just two minutes in, the ‘Blackies’ displayed their defensive credentials by expertly removing the danger from Aihen Muñoz’s dangerous cross into the box. The visitors continued to absorb the pressure whilst still posing a threat on the counter, and they got their reward just before HT when Jakob Jantscher displayed great composure in the box to land the opening blow, thanks to some brilliant vision from Manprit Sarkaria. David Silva was left to rue his previous missed open header, as well as a VAR no-penalty call right at the end of the half, with the ‘Blackies’ surprise leaders at HT.

It only seemed appropriate that hailstones would rain down to get the second half underway given how tough the previous half had been, and the weather was indirectly involved as Portu slipped when close to the opposition’s area, while Jantscher’s attempted lofted cross went way wide. Yet the hosts maintained the hope of a revival, and they made no mistake 53 minutes in, when Alexander Sørloth evened the scores thanks to his strong and precise shot following a well-executed corner from Igor Zubeldia. 

When David Silva went down in the box on 78 minutes, VAR ruled out the calls for a penalty, adding to the midfielder's frustrating evening. While a goal in the final seconds was also pegged back for offside for Sociedad, the hosts were ultimately unable to find a late-winner, despite 17 attempts on goal, and the FT whistle sounded to leave Soiedad disappointed with the result.

The 'White and Blues’ next face Monaco in the UEL in an all-important clash that could potentially decide their Round-of-32 fate. As for the ‘Blackies’, there was a lot to like from their encouraging performance, despite them still languishing at the bottom of the group on a single point.