Real Sociedad beats Salzburg 2-0 for its 1st Group-Stage Win in 20 years

Real Sociedad claimed its first group-stage win in the Champions League in two decades with a 2-0 triumph over Salzburg.

Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Méndez scored goals in the first half to secure victory for Sociedad and take the lead in Group D. With four points from two matches, the Spanish club is on top, while Salzburg remains on three points. Inter Milan has the opportunity to join Sociedad at the top if it defeats Benfica at home later on the same day.

Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a precise low shot into the far corner, assisted by Méndez. Méndez added to the lead in the 27th minute with a composed finish after skillfully navigating through the Salzburg defense.

Sociedad's last group-stage win in the Champions League came with a 2-1 victory over Galatasaray in the 2003-04 season. The club is making its first Champions League appearance in nearly a decade.

Sociedad started this year's campaign with a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan at home, where they conceded a late equalizer.

Salzburg had an impressive 2-0 victory over Benfica in their opening match but struggled to create opportunities against Sociedad, failing to register a shot on target in the first half.

Salzburg reached the knockout stages of the Champions League in the 2021-22 season, where they were eliminated by Bayern Munich.

Sociedad arrived in Austria following a convincing 3-0 victory over Basque Country rival Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, with Oyarzabal also finding the net. The win against Salzburg marks an important milestone for the Spanish club in its Champions League journey.

SportsLigue