Real took a huge step towards qualifying for the knockout stage after beating Sheriff this afternoon 0-2. The match, played at the Zimbru stadium in Chisinau, was dominated by la Real who, at the beginning of the second half, put the game to bed with goals by Silva and Aritz. Asier Illarramendi played 13 minutes of the game replacing Mikel Merino in midfield.

La Real started the match by having control of the game against an opponent that was quick when getting out of the box. A good shot by Sorloth was the first dangerous occasion for the txuri urdin. A free kick by Silva, which went just wide, was another of the best chances of the first half. The Moldavians tested our goalkeeper with a couple of long-range shots that Remiro saved without too many complications. On 30’, Brais found a ball in the area, but the player could not finish the action since a defender touched the ball and deflected Kubo's cross. 

The second half got off to the best possible start. A good attacking combination left the ball at the feet of Sorloth who, after fainting a couple of times, gave the ball to Silva who put the ball in the top corner with a perfect strike to give the Donostiarras the lead. In the 61st minute, the locals were reduced to ten men and in the next action, Aritz headed in a free kick by Brais to make it 2-0. La Real could have even increased the lead, but they missed some clear chances, such as Merino's lob that went over the keeper's goal.

Three out of three for the txuri urdin and many options to advance into the next round. Things are going well. Aurrera, Reala!

- Match details:

FC Sheriff: Koval, Zohouri, Kiki, Radeljic (cap), Badolo, Atiemwen (Salifu, min.66), Diop, Kyabou, Pernambuco (Ouattara, min.67), Rasheed and Vizeu (Kpozo, min.77). 

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Sola (Arambarri, min.69), Aritz (cap), Pacheco, Rico, Guevara, Merino (Illarra, min.77), Brais Méndez (Turrientes, min.77), Silva (Carlos Fernández, min.69), Take and Sorloth (Karrikaburu, min.81). 

Goals: 0-1: Silva, min.53. 0-2: Aritz, min.62. 

Referee: Harald Lechner (Austria). Cautioned Atiemwen for FC Sheriff and Sola for Real Sociedad. Sent off Kyabou in the 61st minute.