Real Sociedad and Celta played out a goalless draw in their matchday 6 clash, with the hosts denied a late penalty on Goncalo Guedes.
A half for each side and a point apiece: that best summed up this matchday 6 encounter between Real Sociedad and Celta. The hosts flew out of the traps, dictating the tempo and fashioning early openings. Radu thwarted almost everything thrown at him, though Take Kubo offered an inadvertent reprieve by squandering a gilt-edged chance with an open goal at his mercy. The Romanian shot-stopper produced a superb reflex save to deny Oyarzabal, only for the Japanese winger to blast the rebound over the crossbar. Radu was called into action again soon after, reacting smartly to tip a stinging long-range drive from Yangel Herrera behind for a corner. Celta, meanwhile, focused on retaining their defensive shape and threatening on the break, having made five changes from their defeat against Athletic Club.
After the interval, Claudio Giraldez’s side improved significantly. They enjoyed far more possession and gained territory, even if clear-cut chances remained at a premium. The Galicians pushed La Real onto the back foot, ensuring the bulk of the second-half action unfolded in the opposition half. In the 80th minute, Iago Aspas hooked an awkward shot towards goal to fashion the visitors’ best opening, but Alex Remiro got down well to make the stop before comfortably gathering an acrobatic long-range effort from Alvaro Nunez minutes later. Momentum swung once again in the closing stages as Real Sociedad pushed hard, bombarding Celta with corners and demanding a penalty after Nunez tangled with Guedes, though the referee deemed the tug insufficient.
Real Sociedad: The opening and closing exchanges were the high points for a side who continue to extract the best from Oyarzabal, yet recognise that the ‘number 9’ ahead of their talisman struggles for influence. Oskarsson barely registered, managing only one scuffed effort from a left-wing cross. Take Kubo also failed to deliver, remaining frustratingly on the periphery of the contest and guilty of a miss that ultimately cost his side two points. Matarazzo must continue polishing a possession-heavy, attacking style that still sorely lacks bite in front of goal.
Celta: Radu kept his side afloat under heavy pressure, crucially denying Oyarzabal before Kubo’s glaring miss. Giraldez swapped three of his back five and discovered greater resilience than against Athletic, though the Galicians’ attacking output amounted to little more than second-half bravery and an off-balance Aspas strike. Four games in, despite boasting the likes of Jutgla, Aspas, Swedberg and Duran, Celta have scored just once—a troubling statistic laid bare again today. On a positive note, Couhaib Driouech made his debut, injecting genuine spark on the left flank.
