MATCH REPORT | 1-1 DRAW AGAINST REAL SOCIEDAD OPENS LALIGA SEASON

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Valencia CF drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad on LaLiga Matchday 1, in a game played at Mestalla which saw Diego López' second half strike equalised by Take Kubo for the visiting side.

On a hot and humid night, Valencia CF came out determined to take the lead. Luis Rioja had the first chance with a header over the bar, originating from a cross from the left.

Real Sociedad were quick to respond, and in the 13th minute, Valencia CF captain José Luis Gayà snatched the ball away from Brais Méndez just as he was about to square up to Julen Agirrezabala in a one-on-one chance.

Valencia CF tried to break down a very solid and organised Real Sociedad, using a variety of strategies.

The clearest chance came shortly before the hydration break, when a ball to the far post, once again from the left flank, was clipped by Javi Guerra. Dani Raba almost sent the effort into the back of the net.

At halftime, the score remained 0-0, with Valencia CF the more incisive and Real Sociedad better balanced.

The deadlock was broken in the 56th minute, when Raba broke open the opposition's defence with a superb assist, connecting with Diego López. The Asturian forward finished well to put Valencia CF 1-0 up.

The lead would not last long, and just four minutes later, in the visitors' first chance since conceding, Take Kubo surprised the Valencia CF backline with a shot from the edge of the area to level the score.

Coach Carlos Corberán looked to react, bringing on André Almeida for Raba and Arnaut Danjuma for Hugo Duro, marking the Dutch striker's debut at Mestalla.

Copete produced a dangerous shot from Guerra's cross in the 72nd minute, but his attempt sailed over the crossbar.

In the closing stages, Santamaría and Ugrinic also made their debuts, but the scoreline remained unchanged.

Valencia CF began 2025-26 with a hard-fought point at home.

MATCH STATS

1. VALENCIA CF: Agirrezabala, Foulquier, Tárrega, Copete, Gayà, (Gayà, 80’) Pepelu (Santamaría, 80’), Javi Guerra (Ugrinic, 87’), Luis Rioja, Diego López, Raba (André Almeida, 68’) and Hugo Duro (Danjuma, 68’).

1. REAL SOCIEDAD: A. Remiro, Aramburu, Zubeldia, Caleta-Car (Elustondo, 68’), Aihen (S. Gómez, 80’), Turrientes (González, 80’), Marin, Take (Guedes, 80’), Barrene, Oyarzabal and Brais Méndez (Óskarsson, 68’).

GOALS: 1-0 Diego López, 1-1 Take, 60’.

REFEREE: Sánchez Martínez (C. Murciano). Yellow cards for Gayà and Turrientes,

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