Gorka Elustondo admitted that Real Sociedad were probably just outclassed in their unsuccessful Champions League campaign this season.
La Real, who overcame Lyon 4-0 on aggregate in the Play-off round, finished the group stages on Tuesday evening with just one point from six games played, against Manchester United, Shakhtar Donetsk and Bayer Leverkusen.
“We gave everything we had throughout the group but, for the moment, it's a level a little above where we are,” Elustondo has reflected.
“I'll take away the impression that our rivals have been really intense in their play and perhaps superior physically.
“The experience will do us nothing but good in terms of learning and developing.”
The defender was speaking after Real’s 1-0 home defeat to Leverkusen.
“During the first half we were intense and pressed high up. It's just that in attack we found it difficult to find that quality moment.
“Leverkusen are very strong down the middle and very good in the air. The fact they scored so soon after half-time changed the second half and how it developed.
“Their quality was high but no surprise. This is the best competition.”
