The match between Real Sociedad and Union Saint-Gilloise ended in a 1-1 draw, with Real losing two crucial points in the group stage of the Europa League. Keita's goal from a lateral foul in the 84th-88th minute cost the Txuri Urdin the advantage they had gained thanks to Turrientes, who scored in the 46th minute. The result leaves Real in a difficult position to aspire to the top-8 in the league phase of the tournament.
The match was played at the Den Dreef Stadium, where Real showed a clumsy performance in managing the advantage. Despite having taken the lead, Matarazzo's team was unable to control the pace of the match and lost the advantage in the final minutes. The Real players tried to adapt to the context and the changes of pace, but the lack of coherence in the defense and the lack of precision in the shots were evident. The lateral foul that allowed Keita's goal was especially controversial, as the ball hit the far post and deflected towards the goal.
As for the lineup, Real had Marrero in goal and a group of ten outfield players, with Zubeldia at right back, Gorrotxa along with Yangel and Ochieng in attack. Union SG, on the other hand, fielded Koffi in goal and had a solid team in defense and an attack with Sylla and Mofokeng. Referee Goga Kikscheisvili, from Georgia, sanctioned Chibani and coach Hubert for the locals, and Sarr for the visitors.
Turrientes' goal in the 46th minute was the only one Real scored in the first half, but the home team failed to capitalize on the advantage. La Real tried to control the game in the second half, but Union SG remained firm in defense and managed to tie the score with Keita's goal in the 88th minute. La Real tried to regain the advantage in the final minutes, but Union SG managed to maintain the advantage with a goal from Sylla in the 92nd minute, who saved the tie with a spectacular clearance on the penalty line.
The result leaves Real in a difficult position in the group stage of the Europa League, with only two European golden points in the 88th minute. The team will have to improve its advantage management and defense to advance in the competition. La Real will have to face Málaga in their next match, before playing in Norway on Thursday, where they will have to win to stay in the competition.