MADRID, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Real Sociedad and Olympique Lyon played out a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, leaving both sides still needing points to secure progression to the next stage.
Lyon traveled to San Sebastian in difficult circumstances following coach Paulo Fonseca's departure to take charge of Sporting CP. Jorge Maciel took temporary charge of a team missing injured players Tyler Morton, Ernest Nuamah, Moussa Niakhate, Pavel Sulc, Lois Openda and Mohamed Ouedraogo.
Meanwhile, Carlos Soler withdrew from the Real Sociedad squad before the game due to illness.
Real Sociedad created the first clear chance when Jon Gorrotxategi looked set to break through on goal, only for Ruben Kluivert to make a last-ditch challenge.
Orri Oskarsson put the host ahead in the 28th minute, arriving unmarked in the Lyon penalty area to head home Ander Barrenetxea's cross from the right.
Mikel Oyarzabal came close to doubling the lead moments later, but his shot flew just wide. The visitors briefly looked unsettled before recovering to finish the first half camped outside the Real Sociedad penalty area.
Goncalo Guedes had an early chance for Real Sociedad after the restart but sent a tame effort straight at Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Greif.
That miss proved costly as Corentin Tolisso equalized in the 54th minute, controlling a cross from Tanner Tessmann before volleying home.
Lyon enjoyed more possession in the Real Sociedad half, but the Spanish side continued to create the better chances. Greif saved a Sergio Gomez free kick and a low drive from Oyarzabal, while substitute Job Ochieng dragged his shot wide of the post.
However, Real Sociedad had goalkeeper Unai Marrero to thank for preserving a point when he reacted well to tip Tolisso's last-minute header over the bar after the French midfielder was left unmarked from a free kick. ■
