Arrasate: Real Sociedad players ´depressed´

Real Sociedad coach Jagoba Arrasate has admitted his players are ‘depressed’ after conceding a late winner to Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.

The German side came into matchday two having lost 4-2 to Manchester United in their opening Group A fixture and they looked destined to drop points again against Arrasate’s side.

Simon Rolfes scored just before half-time only for Carlos Vela to hit back six minutes after the break, but Leverkusen found the winner in second-half stoppage time.

The hosts were awarded a free-kick and Jens Hegeler stepped up before striking it into the top corner of the goal, leaving the Sociedad players distraught at the 2-1 defeat.

Arrasate said: “The result is not fair and the players are depressed. We’re not satisfied, we were more than worth a draw.

“It was a pity they cannot celebrate.

“We have played a great game against a good opponent. We have done much to achieve merit without getting any points.”

Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay thanked the fans for their support in Germany despite the late disappointment.

He added: “I want to thank and congratulate our animated supporters. I expect they have at least seen the effort of the team.”