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Real Sociedad won 1-0 away from home at San Mamés stadium in Bilbao last night. This was the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. It was an important match between two big teams from the Basque Country.
The match was a Basque derby. This means both teams are from the Basque region of Spain. The stadium was full of fans. More than 50,000 people came to watch the game. The atmosphere was exciting and loud.
First Half
The first half was very competitive. Both teams played with energy and passion. Athletic Club started the game strongly. They wanted to score in front of their home fans.
Athletic Club's best player was Nico Williams. He is a fast winger who runs with the ball very well. Williams tried to create chances for his team. He dribbled past defenders and made crosses into the penalty area.
Real Sociedad defended well in the first half. Their goalkeeper, Remiro, was very good. He made two important saves. The defenders also worked hard to stop Athletic Club's attacks.
The first half finished 0-0. Neither team could score a goal. Both goalkeepers stopped all the shots. The fans wanted to see a goal, but they had to wait.
Second Half
The second half was more exciting than the first. Both teams created more chances to score. The game became faster and more open.
In the 58th minute, Real Sociedad scored the only goal of the match. Beñat Turrientes was the scorer. The goal came after Athletic Club lost the ball in their own half. This was a big mistake by Athletic Club.
Turrientes received a pass from his teammate. He was inside the penalty area. He kicked the ball with his right foot. The ball went past the Athletic Club goalkeeper and into the net. The Real Sociedad players celebrated together. Their fans were very happy.
After the goal, Athletic Club tried hard to score. They attacked more and more. The coach made some changes. He brought on fresh players to help the team.
Nico Williams had two excellent chances to score for Athletic Club. In the 67th minute, he jumped high and hit the ball with his head. This header went very close to the goal post. It was only a few centimeters away from being a goal.
Later in the match, Williams had another good opportunity. He received the ball near the goal. He shot quickly, but Remiro made a great save. The Real Sociedad goalkeeper was the hero for his team.
In the final minutes, Athletic Club pushed forward. They wanted to score an equalizer. Real Sociedad defended with all their players. They protected their lead.
The referee blew the final whistle after 90 minutes plus injury time. The match finished 1-0 to Real Sociedad. The away team was very happy with the result.
What This Result Means
Real Sociedad now has a big advantage. They won the first leg away from home. This is very important in a two-leg tie. Athletic Club must score in the second leg if they want to reach the final.
The second leg will be in March at Real Sociedad's home stadium. Athletic Club will travel to San Sebastián for that match. They need to score at least two goals to win the tie.
Both teams have a chance to reach the Copa del Rey final. The final will be played in April. It is one of the most important matches in Spanish football. The winner gets a trophy and a place in European competition next season.
Glossary
Word | Meaning |
semi-final | the match before the final |
first leg | the first of two matches |
away from home | at the other team's stadium |
goalkeeper | the player who stops the ball from going in the goal |
header | when a player hits the ball with their head |
save | when a goalkeeper stops a shot |
derby | a match between two teams from the same city or region |
advantage | a better position; something that helps you win |
winger | a player who plays on the left or right side of the field |
penalty area | the box near the goal where penalties are given |
cross | when a player passes the ball from the side to the center |
equalizer | a goal that makes the score equal (the same) |
injury time | extra minutes added at the end of each half |
tie | a competition between two teams over two matches |
dribble | to run with the ball and control it with your feet |
Vocabulary Questions
1. What is another word for 'goalkeeper'?
a) striker b) defender c) goalie d) midfielder
2. If a team plays 'away from home', where do they play?
a) at their own stadium b) at another team's stadium c) in a park d) at a training ground
3. Complete the sentence: The goalkeeper made a good _____ to stop the ball.
a) goal b) save c) pass d) kick
4. What does 'first leg' mean?
a) the final match b) the first of two matches c) the first half d) a type of kick
5. A 'derby' is a match between two teams from:
a) different countries b) the same city or region c) different continents d) the same league only
6. What does a 'winger' do?
a) plays in goal b) plays on the side of the field c) is the referee d) is the coach
7. An 'equalizer' is:
a) the first goal b) a goal that makes the score the same c) the winning goal d) a penalty
8. 'Injury time' means:
a) time when players are hurt b) extra minutes at the end c) half-time d) time for substitutions
9. When you 'dribble', you:
a) kick the ball very hard b) run with the ball at your feet c) pass to a teammate d) score a goal
10. The 'penalty area' is:
a) where fans sit b) the center circle c) the box near the goal d) the corner of the field
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Answer Key
1. c) goalie
2. b) at another team's stadium
3. b) save
4. b) the first of two matches
5. b) the same city or region
6. b) plays on the side of the field
7. b) a goal that makes the score the same
8. b) extra minutes at the end
9. b) run with the ball at your feet
10. c) the box near the goal
