NEW DELHI: Inter Milan, the Serie A leaders, faced a formidable challenge from Real Sociedad as they kicked off their Champions League campaign, ultimately securing a 1-1 draw in a closely contested match.
Real Sociedad, making their first Champions League group-stage appearance in a decade, displayed dominance for much of the game. Inter Milan, on the other hand, struggled to replicate their unbeaten league form.
Real Sociedad made an early breakthrough with Brais Mendez finding the net just four minutes into the game, capitalizing on high pressing to score into the bottom right corner, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Despite their lead, Real Sociedad missed opportunities to extend it further. Robin Le Normand's header veered wide before halftime, and Inter Milan's new goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, delivered a crucial save to thwart Mikel Oyarzabal's close-range attempt early in the second half.
Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi acknowledged the strength of their opponent, stating, "We faced a very strong side tonight, we knew it." He credited their goalkeeper for keeping them in the game.
Inter Milan gradually began to threaten Real Sociedad's defence, but it wasn't until the 87th minute that Lautaro Martinez found the equalizer, marking his sixth goal in five games this season.
Reflecting on the match, Martinez expressed his dissatisfaction with their performance, saying, "I'm not satisfied because we did not play as we planned." He acknowledged the challenges posed by Real Sociedad's high-pressing and offside traps but emphasized the importance of avoiding defeat in the group stage.
In Group D, Inter Milan and Real Sociedad currently trail RB Salzburg, who secured a 2-0 victory against Benfica, with the Portuguese champions hampered by an early red card for Antonio Silva.
(With Reuters inputs)
