Zakharyan played a full match for Sociedad for the first time. This is what he did in 90 minutes in the Champions League

Zakharyan played a full match for Sociedad for the first time. This is what he did in 90 minutes in the Champions League

Grigory Telingater November 30, 2023, 01:34 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.

The Russian had to change positions during the match.

Real Sociedad left Group D after four more days. Now coach Alguacil left one of the leaders, Kubo, in reserve, and Zakharyan entered from the first minutes. For the Russian, this match marked his debut in the main team of the Champions League.

Zakharyan seemed quite active, constantly asking for the ball, taking corners on both flanks and in positional attacks he gave width: he opened up on the left flank, right on the wing. In the first half, Zakharyan had a good chance, but he did not handle the ball well. He got something between a shot and a low cross.

Game moment

Photo: Transmission frame

In the 64th minute, Zakharyan had an even better chance to score his first goal in the Champions League. Perhaps this has been one of Real Sociedad’s best chances in this match. Arsen, being a few meters from the goal, but at an acute angle, shot with a single touch. The shot was difficult to execute, but the Russian hit the target – the goalkeeper managed it.

Game moment

Photo: Transmission frame

A minute later, Barrenechea entered the field in place of Mendes, who took Zakharyan’s place on the left flank of the attack. The Russian fell to midfield: he acted in the support zone or in the position of one of the “eights”.

For one thing, Zakharyan’s stats in this game aren’t particularly impressive. He has three shots (one on goal), four dribbles (one successful), 56 passes (82% successful). On the other hand, Arsene finally played the entire game for Sociedad. After 11 incomplete games, Zakharyan spent 90 minutes on the field.

But in this Champions League match many more goals were scored:

Manchester United buried their own goalkeeper. Due to Onán’s three mistakes there is almost no chance of reaching the Champions League playoffs

After this tie, Sociedad maintained first place in the group. Now Zakharyan’s team only needs to tie with Inter in Milan to be among the seeds in the round of 16 draw.