Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Alex Teixeira believes that whilst his team may have the greater experience, Real Sociedad are a threat in Europe.
The two clubs face off this week in the opening matchday of the group phase on Tuesday evening, in what is La Real’s first campaign in the competition in 10 years.
Ukrainian champions for each of the last four seasons, Shakhtar have far more experience of the UEFA competition, but one of their many Brazilians doesn’t think this is necessarily an advantage.
“On the one hand, we regularly play in the Champions League and we know what the matches in this competition are like,” mused Teixeira to his club’s official website today.
“But on the other hand, Real Sociedad are a very strong Spanish club. Therefore, our task is to show all of our power playing with the renewed line-up.
“We watched a couple of their games, and I would say that Real Sociedad are strong as a team.
“Just like we are. So I can’t just single out one or two players.
“The opponents can boast good attack as a whole. So we have to play carefully.
“Is it harder starting away from home? For me, all the matches in this tournament are equally tough.
“Regardless of whether we play at home or away, we should show good football, which is particular to Shakhtar.”
