Carlos Soler apologises at Mestalla after penalty on emotional return | OneFootball

Carlos Soler apologised to the Valencia support at Mestalla after scoring a penalty on his return, the Real Sociedad midfielder making it 1-2 on Sunday in LaLiga’s matchday 7.

With Mikel Oyarzabal off the pitch, Soler took responsibility from the spot, converted, then raised his hands to the home crowd instead of celebrating.

It was his first game back at the old ground in four years, following his 2022 sale by Peter Lim and subsequent move to PSG. The night blended reunion with a possible farewell, unless the Copa del Rey offers another visit before the planned 2027 move to a new stadium.

In the build-up he said returning home mattered to him, that he wanted to share it with family and friends, had watched Valencia beat Alavés, and wished them well apart from the weekend when he hoped La Real would win.

"It is a pity to think this will be its last year because I think it is an incredible stadium. I was just speaking to someone who was amazed by its verticality and by the force when the whole ground gets behind the team, which often brings opponents down. I hope it is a very special year for Mestalla and that it brings a lot of joy," he told Superdeporte.

Source: Superdeporte

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