Carlos Vela mused that Real Sociedad have learned ‘a good lesson’ against Shakhtar Donetsk, whilst defending the team’s back-line.
La Real were hit with a 4-0 defeat in Ukraine to end their hopes of progressing any further from Champions League Group A.
“Of course, it is a disappointing match and campaign for us. We expected to get more points and fight for a place in the next stage,” Vela considered after the game.
“But our team is young, so we need to gain experience in this competition to return here in the future.
“We conceded the first goal because of our own mistake, through not being focused at a corner. We then had a very tough spell but tried to come back into the game.
“Unfortunately, another silly error at the beginning of the second half led to the second goal, which killed the game.
“We had to open up and gave lots of space to Shakhtar's players who are very fast – and when they have space to run and counterattack they will most likely score more.
“I do not think the problem is our defensive line. The whole team have to defend and attack. We played against a fantastic side, and if you make even the smallest mistake you get punished.
“Sometimes the opposition are simply better, like tonight. However, it was a good lesson for us, one we must remember.
“We still have huge motivation for the final game against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, because we want to get our first win in the group.”
