From Salzburg to Los Angeles: Alexander Schlager cannot stop Mikel Oyarzabal | OneFootball

Alexander Schlager could not keep out Mikel Oyarzabal on Thursday at a World Cup, echoing their earlier meetings. According to Diario Vasco, the Real Sociedad captain has repeatedly found a way past the Austrian goalkeeper.

Their story began on 3 October 2023 in Salzburg, where Real won 0-2. Oyarzabal struck after seven minutes, taking Brais Méndez’s pass and guiding a left-footed finish inside Schlager’s right post.

Before that opener, Schlager had already denied him, then the return in Anoeta ended 0-0. The visiting keeper was his side’s standout performer as Real preserved top spot in a group contested with Inter.

They did not meet again until Los Angeles. Oyarzabal arrived as his national team’s leading scorer in the tournament with two against Saudi Arabia, while Schlager was a major reason Austria reached the last 32 after saving a group-stage penalty from Messi.

A specialist from the spot with 11 saves from 63, Schlager did not face Oyarzabal from the spot. Instead, the duel swung to two deft touches inside the area, one with each foot, both created by Cucurella, which the keeper could not reach.

The pair embraced at full time. A fresh chapter could follow next season, with Salzburg entering Europa League qualifying and, if they progress, potentially sharing a group with Real Sociedad.

Source: Diario Vasco