Real Socidead win, but away goal keeps Mirandes' cup dream alive

MADRID - Real Sociedad took a narrow 2-1 lead at home to second division Mirandes after the first leg of their semifinal of the Spanish Copa del Rey on Thursday night.

Real Sociedad went into the game as big favorites to reach the final, despite Mirandes having beaten Celta Vigo, Sevilla and Villarreal on their way to the last four.

Things got off to a perfect start for the top-flight side when Odai Zabala was penalized for a push on Real Sociedad forward Portu, and Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot, sending Limones the wrong way with a calm spot kick.

It looked as if the top-flight side could run away with the game, but Mirandes were able to recover the discipline that has taken them into the last four and they were level six minutes from the break after Mateus, Aias, who has scored in previous rounds, found space at the edge of the Real Sociedad box and his bouncing shot beat Alex Remiro in the Real Sociedad goal.

The visitors' joy only lasted three minutes before Martin Odegaard re-established the home side's lead after Limones had done well to parry Portu's close range shot.

Limones again frustrated Portu at the start of the second half, before Remiro also produced a good save to deny Alex Sanchez.

Real Sociedad tried to score a goal to tilt the tie decisively in their favor, but a combination of good keeping and solid defending kept them at bay, while Mirandes always posed a threat on the break.

The result means the tie will now be decided in Mirandes' small Anduva Stadium on March 4 in a game where a 1-0 win would give the second tier side a historic qualification for the final.

The first semifinal clash between Athletic Club and Granada on Wednesday saw Athletic win 1-0 to take a slender lead thanks to Iker Muniain's 42nd minute goal.