Real Sociedad (pictured) is looking for a third trip to the Honduran final in its last four attempts. (Photo courtesy of Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional de Honduras)
TOCOA, Honduras – Real Sociedad moved one step closer to a place in the 2014 Honduran Apertura final with a 2-0 win over Real España on Sunday in the opener of their semifinal series.
Even though his team holds an advantage heading into Wednesday’s second leg, head coach Horacio Londoño knows that there is still plenty to do if the Realeza is to reach a third final in four tournaments.
“It is a 180 minute match and barely 90 have gone, so we have to be very mature,” said the Colombian. “You have to celebrate, but to think that still this is not resolved, no result was sufficient.”
At the rain-soaked Estadio Francisco Martinez Duron, Real Sociedad’s Jose Tobias (57’) and Rony Martinez (74’) netted second-half goals in a rematch of the 2013 Apertura final, which Real España eventually captured on penalty kicks.
“I highlight the personality of the team,” Londoño expressed. “In the second half we returned to our model of play and it overwhelmed the challenge from our opponent and the state of the field.”
Despite winning for the fifth time in six outings, Londoño promised that Real Sociedad will not fall victim to complacency.
“This advantage is not comfortable because it could have been a 10-0 and it’s not comfortable,” he finished. “You have to be clear and if one can score goals, the opponent can also convert goals.
“Real Sociedad always goes out to push forward on any pitch in the country. Aside from the result, the team tries to be an organized side that looks for the opponent’s goal.”
