The Real Sociedad returns to European elite against the in-form Inter
BARCELONA, Sep 19 (EUROPA PRESS) -
The Real Sociedad receives Inter Milan on Wednesday at Reale Arena (21:00 CET) in a highly anticipated return to the Champions League and in a first group stage match where they will face the current runner-up of the competition in front of their home fans.
There is little more that can be asked for a return to the Champions League a decade later than to make your debut at home against the reigning runner-up, a rival that has also started strong. Inter, the clear favorite to top Group D, arrives in San Sebastian with the intention of imposing themselves on a team that, with the excitement of their return, will try to play their cards.
This is only the third time that Real Sociedad has reached the group stage of the Champions League. And the decade of waiting since the last occasion (2013/14) surely increases the team's desire to succeed as well as the enthusiasm of the fans, who will be the 12th player in their attempt to defeat the main rival in the group, which is completed by Benfica and Salzburg.
The team from San Sebastian comes from a loss against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu (2-1) despite taking an early lead with a goal from Barrenetxea. However, despite the defeat, they gave a good impression and showed glimpses of the football they need to impose themselves against the 'neroazzurro' at a high level and with the desire to repeat their performances from last season.
Inter, who won five consecutive victories in the 'Derby della Madonnina' against AC Milan (5-1) last Saturday, arrives in very good form. Goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the new arrival Marcus Thuram, Hakan Çalhanoglu from the penalty spot, and Davide Frattesi, who scored his third goal in two games with his club and national team, led to their victory.
This victory shows that the current runner-up arrives in very good form despite losing some important players like Brozovic, Skriniar, and goalkeeper Onana, but they have also made good reinforcements. The challenge of replicating that great experience begins in Donostia, a place where they can certainly come out "hurt".
"Whether you like it or not, this is a turning point. Being able to compete in the Champions League is important," said Mikel Oyarzabal, a key offensive player for Real Sociedad, which has had better sensations than points earned so far and will need the quality of Take Kubo, the power and goal-scoring ability of Mikel Merino, and the defensive security of Robin Le Normand and Igor Zubeldia to stop Simone Inzaghi's team, which is led by Lautaro Martinez and has scored 13 goals and conceded only one.
There is no previous record in the Champions League, but Inter eliminated Real Sociedad in the first round of the UEFA Cup - now Europa League - in the 1979/80 season, despite a futile 2-0 win at home.
FICHA TÉCNICA.
--POSSIBLE LINEUPS.
REAL SOCIEDAD: Remiro; Traoré, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Aihen Muñoz; Brais Méndez, Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Barrene; Kubo, and Oyarzabal.
INTER: Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Hakan Çalhanoglu, Frattesi, Dimarco; Lautaro Martínez, and Thuram.
--REFEREE: Michael Oliver (ENG).
--STADIUM: Reale Arena.
--TIME: 21:00 CET / Movistar Champions League.