Real Sociedad loses to Chelsea in friendly

Real Sociedad could not handle Chelsea managed by Xabi Alonso in their final preseason friendly. The txuriurdin lost 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, as reported by MARCA, in a match where they showed moments of good play but once again exposed their main weaknesses: poor starts to both halves and fragile defending in the air.

Real conceded in the 10th minute after a deflection from a crossed header by Joan Pedro, which Remiro parried. Rogers finished the rebound to open the scoring. The txuriurdin reacted and created clear chances — Barrenetxea with good individual skill, Jon Martín and Óskarsson well-positioned — but failed to convert. Aramburu equalized just before the break with a shot from the edge of the box after a loose ball.

Real collapse after the interval

Everything changed within two minutes of the restart. Joao Pedro easily outmuscled Aramburu and scored the 2-1 with a header nestled against the post. Real tried to fight back — Oyarzabal made his preseason debut and shot immediately after coming on, Turrientes also tried — but Joao Pedro sealed the defeat with a third goal following a Malo Gusto pass that left the Brazilian one-on-one with Remiro.

The match leaves clear work for Matarazzo: fix those poor starts to halves and strengthen defensive organization in the air before the league begins.