Soler’s apologies and a Real win that frayed txuri-urdin nerves | OneFootball

Real won at Mestalla, yet many txuri-urdin fans felt, after so many missed chances, that defeat loomed. It did not. Given the suffering despite clear superiority, Soler’s apologies after the 1-2 felt misdirected, they belonged to the Real faithful.

Written right after the final whistle, with a touch of irritation at how it unfolded. As reported by Diario Vasco, even in control the nerves frayed. Valencia levelled at 2-2, and Aimar’s header was clawed away, a chance that would have made it 3-3.

Remiro stands out. His flying stop from Aimar’s header preserved the lead. He looks calmer than last season and seems to be finding his best level again.

From keeper to back line, Beitia delivered. Aside from bad luck around the 2-2, he snuffed out threats and his long diagonals after the break gave relief. He may need a touch more bite, but he could become an important centre-back.

Many had long wanted Gorrotxa to start, a short pre-season perhaps delaying it. With him, the side cuts passes, shields the centre-backs and builds with more order. Sucic deserves credit too, I have been critical, and hopefully his level continues because the quality is there.

I never thought I would have to write this about Oyarzabal, but the captain is short of form. He knows it, his frustration and eagerness for a first goal were plain, yet he will be back, he always is. Better not to dwell on Óskarsson.

Source: Diario Vasco

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”