Spanish outlet Real Sociedad made the trip to Tiraspol, Moldova to take on Sheriff at the Zimbru Stadium in the UEFA Europa League matchday 3, Group E.
Sheriff had totalled three points from two matches with a win and a loss heading into the encounter. Real Sociedad topped Group E with six points from two matches — a record of two straight wins.
The chances in the first half for either side were few and far between, ending 0-0. Sheriff represented itself well in the half, mustering a few attacks of its own. There were two yellow cards issued — one to either side — and one red card to the home team. The game ended 2-0 to the visitors. Sheriff found possession hard to come by, losing out 34% – 66% to Real Sociedad. Both teams had three shots on target each; but the difference in quality played a huge part in the scoreline.
The first half ended goalless with the biggest chance for the away side being David Silva’s free kick in the 17th minute. He beat the wall putting great shape on his free kick but it shaved Maksym Koval’s left upright. Sheriff’s Cedric Badolo came close with a shot from just outside the box which didn’t miss by much but kept rising. The hosts had another chance when Rasheed Akanbi beat two Sociedad defenders on the left wing. He cut into the box for what would have been a great solo goal but his shot was tame and smothered by Álex Remiro. 0-0 at the interval.
A beautiful one-touch team move was rounded up when A. Sorloth controlled in the Sheriff box and found David Silva at the edge of the box. The Spaniard let fly, at the first time and found the top right corner beautifully, scoring his first goal this season. 1 – 0 to the visitors in the 53rd minute.
Seven minutes later, another attack by the Sociedads indirectly ended with their second goal. M. Kyabou who was already on a yellow card, chopped down Alex Sola with a sliding tackle whilst the Spaniard attempted to run past him down the right flank. Kyabou was sent off with a second yellow card. As though to add insult to injury, Real Sociedad captain, A. Elustondo headed the ball into the net from near post, converting a B. Mendes left-footed in-swinger from the resulting freekick. 2-0 to the away side at full time.
Betis strengthened its hold on first place in Group E with the win against Sheriff and now has nine points from a three-game winning run. Sheriff is third with just one win and two losses — equalling three points.