Real Sociedad held by Salzburg but stay top of Group D

Updated: Nov 29, 2023, 10:25 pm

Real Sociedad failed to find a clinical touch in front of goal in a disappointing 0-0 Champions League draw with visiting Salzburg on Wednesday, but remain top of their Group D having already qualified for the round of 16.

Clear-cut chances were few and far between in San Sebastian with the best falling to Sociedad's Benat Turrientes and Brais Mendez, whose efforts were deflected wide and saved respectively.

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Sociedad, in the Champions League for the first time in a decade, top the pool with 11 points from five games, ahead of last season's runners-up Inter Milan on goal difference. They meet in Inter in their final group game on Dec. 12 in a clash that will decide who wins the group.

Salzburg have four points and are in third in the pool. The Austrians ended a run of three straight Champions League defeats and host bottom side Benfica in their final fixture, where a draw will see them book a place in the Europa League.

Real Sociedad sit sixth in LaLiga this season.
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Sociedad dominated possession and chances, with Salzburg goalkeeper Alexander Schlager by far the busier of the two glovemen.

Turrientes's shot was deflected narrowly wide of goal from six yards after an excellent defensive block, while Arsen Zakharyan also failed to find the target, though whether his was a shot or cross is open to debate.

When some hesitant Sociedad defending allowed Salzburg's Nicolás Capaldo to have a rare clear sight of goal, his effort was weak and went straight at home keeper Álex Remiro.

Mendez, who has been a form player for Sociedad in the Champions League this season, came close to the opener when his wicked 25-yard shot looked destined for the bottom corner, only for Schlager to make an excellent stop.

Sociedad kept knocking on the door and the introduction of Umar Sadiq off the bench provided them with an excellent attacking option on the right wing.

But a combination of poor finishing and several more fine stops from Schlager meant they could not turn that pressure into goals and the points had to be shared.