Kubo Takefusa's opening round brings a good start to the World Cup year. Real Sociedad launches a draw on the ground – Spanish League: Nikkan Sports

[Valencia = Takahashi Tomoyuki]Real Sociedad, the opening match of Japanese national team midfielder Kubo Takefusa (24), played for the Real Sociedad, drew 1-1 in the opening match against Valencia on the run. Kubo scored his first goal of the season.

The season for “La Real” began with the heat at 33 degrees at the time of kickoff. This was his first match with Sergio Francisco, who had been in 11th place last season, and for the first time in six seasons, he missed out on the right to compete in the European Cup, and was the new manager, taking the lead of the B team. Despite missing injuries to Subimendi's successor Gorochategi, who had transferred to Arsenal, he was in the same 4-3-3 formation as last season.

Valencia took the lead in the beginning, but over time, R Sociedad increased his control of the ball. Bryce Mendes got his first chance in the 12th minute of the first half, but a mid-range shot thrust into the lower left corner was unfortunately fine saved by opposing goalkeeper Aguilesabara.

In the 25th minute of the same year, Sociedad, Kubo persistently kept the ball in the penalty area and passed it straight to the front of the goal, but Barrenechair's shot was unfortunately unable to catch the target.

Valencia regained control by connecting passes behind the scenes after the middle of the first half, but they lacked accuracy in crossing and were unable to match up with Hugo Douro and Mules on the front line.

In the first half, Valencia ultimately outperformed the ball's control percentage, but both teams combined their shots on target, making it impossible to create a good opportunity, with only one shot from Bryce Mendes.

The second half, when the game was 0-0, was a more open turn of events. Immediately after the start of the R Sociedad, Kubo dribbling and was fouled just before the penalty area to get a free kick. He aimed for the goal himself, but his shot went far beyond the target.

Valencia then kept the ball. In the 12th minute, Diego Lopez responded to Lava's accurate long pass and successfully escaped the back of the defender, making the team a long-awaited opening goal.

However, R Sociedard did not fall short on this goal and immediately fought back. In the 15th minute, Kubo received a pass from Bryce Mendes just before the penalty area, swinging his left foot, and immediately tied the game.

Both teams were subsequently affected by the heat, so they replaced players one after another, refreshing the team. In the 25th minute, R. Sociedad had just put in, Oscarson had a 1-1 chance against the goalkeeper, but he failed. Right after that, Copete made a cross on the right side in front of the goal, but was unable to get the ball to the target.

As they were aiming for the winning goal, R. Sociedad took a shot in the 42nd minute, but Aguirresabara caught the match and failed to score the winning goal. They lacked decisiveness and ended with a 1-1 draw.

Kubo moved around the pitch from the start of the first half to make his appearance to the left side, and on defense he pressed from the front line. In the beginning, he was struggling with the harsh mark of opposing captain Gaya, but he gradually showed his strengths.

In the 25th minute, he managed to keep the ball well within the penalty area and sent a pass right in front of the goal, but Balenechair's shot was out of target. In the following 27th minute, he was fouled when he received the ball and induced a yellow card from Gaya.

While they were unable to get the ball well in the first half, they were excited in the second half. Immediately after the start of the second half, he dribbled to the goal, and was defeated by Gaya just before the penalty area and earned a free kick. He aimed for the goal himself, but his shot went far beyond the target.

In the 15th minute, just after the team allowed the opening goal, he received a pass from his allies just before the penalty area, and with one touch he shifted the opponent, swinging his left foot through, and scored a strong mid-range shot to equalize. This goal marked the third opening goal in four seasons at R Sociedad.

Furthermore, in the 32nd minute, Kubo aimed for the goal with his left foot from within the penalty area, but was unable to catch the target, and was replaced by new player Gedes in the 35th minute.

The team couldn't win, but Kubo himself managed to get off to a good start in the World Cup year.

R Sociedad will face Espanyol in the next match, which will be held at home on the 24th.

[Video]Kubo Takefusa is a big hit! Opening battle shot with a left foot swing >>