Napoli 1-1 Real Sociedad: Sociedad seal progression after late equaliser

Piotr Zielinski-Poland

Real Sociedad Seal Progression After Late Equaliser Against Napoli

Real Sociedad were able to snatch a draw at the death against Napoli to qualify for the next round of the Europa League on Thursday night.

The home side who had already qualified as group leader’s led for much of the match through a first-half strike by Zielinski. However, they were pegged back by a late Willian José’s goal to deny them all three points and hand their visitors a precious point on their way to qualification.

The game started with the away side on the front foot in the opening exchanges. The Spanish side had the better share of the ball and carved out a few decent scoring chances, but could not find a way past the Ospina at the Napoli goal.

Despite the better chances falling to the visitors, it was the hosts who took the lead in the 34th minute through Piotr Zielinski. The Polish midfielder was on hand to score following a corner.

With the goal, Sociedad upped their game as they sought a way back into the game, but Napoli kept their shape throughout the first half.

Both teams emerged from the break with no changes in personnel or approach, as much of the second half went without any meaningful goalmouth action. With AZ Alkmaar drawing with Rijeka in the other Group F, Sociedad were on the brink of elimination from the Europa League.  But the Spanish side were able to salvage a point late in the game through a Willian José strike in the second minute of added time to hand the Spanish side qualification to the next round.

 Twitter