An Omer Toprak goal gave Bayer Leverkusen a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad, as the Basque team ended the campaign without a win.
Antoine Griezmann was deemed fit enough for La Real as they went into the game with the German side knowing that they were out of the Champions League. The French winger was subject to a late fitness test, but was allowed to play, whilst Haris Seferovic sat out with Imanol Agirretxe coming in up front.
And it was the Basque outfit who got off to the brighter start, forcing Bernd Leno into action within four minutes, with the German shot-stopper saving well from Agirretxe.
It may have been a dead-rubber for Jagoba Arrasate’s men, but they were flying forward looking for their first home goal in the group stages. That gung-ho attitude though, almost cost them midway through the half, but Gonzalo Castro’s effort from the edge of the area struck the post.
Sami Hyypia’s men were on top now, but they couldn’t quite get their shooting boots no right, with Stefan Kiessling this time missing the target.
Both teams were working hard, but the quality in the final third was lacking tremendously as they went into the break playing out a stalemate.
After the interval, the usual pattern of play continued for La Real, as all their industry was undone as they failed to clear from a corner on 50 minutes – Omer Toprak was then there to fire in from six yards to give the visitors the lead.
The Anoeta team tried nobly to get back into the match, but were forced to shoot from long range as the Werkself’s backline held tight.
La Real couldn’t break through, and lost the match 1-0 to go the entire group stage without a win.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Scorers: Omer Toprak 49 (BL)
Real Sociedad: Zubikarai; C.Martínez, Ansotegi, Mikel (Gaztanaga 68), José Ángel; M.Bergara, Elustondo (Xabi Prieto 61), R.Pardo; Vela, Agirretxe (Seferovic 81), Griezmann
Bayer Leverkusen: Leno; Donati, Toprak, Spahic, Can; Rolfes (c), Bender, Castro; Hegeler (Kruse 54), Kiessling, Son
