A thousand Real Sociedad fans defy the San Mamés roar | OneFootball

A thousand Real Sociedad supporters defied the roar of San Mamés as their team won at San Mamés in a Copa semi-final, 39 years after triumphing at the same stage. Back then they progressed to the Zaragoza final, now the tie is set up but there is more to do.

According to Diario Vasco, rain-soaked Bilbao felt the semi from early afternoon, with txuri-urdin colours spread well beyond the 575 away tickets split high in the corner 'quesito' and the back rows of the main stand. Later, around 200 fans saw the team off at the Hotel Meliá Bilbao as Ertzaintza steered the short walk to the coach.

Inside, about 50 in the upper corner unfurled a mass of txuri-urdin flags and a banner reading 'Ametsak bizirik dirau', proof the visitors would not be alone. Shouts of 'Real, Real' dominated during the Laporte penalty review and again near the end.

On the pitch, Real were the sharper side before the break, creating chances. After the Laporte incident the appeals did not relent, then after half-time Marín hit the post and Turrientes found the net.

In Pozas, home and away fans mixed with good humour, though many visitors watched on television in bars. Elsewhere, the Red Lion near the ground displayed a scarf honouring Mr Pentland.

As the stadium emptied, the away section streamed out in delight. The dream of a final with supporters, 38 years on, felt closer, although Anoeta still stands between them and La Cartuja.

Source: Diario Vasco