Sarr dominated and won everything until his soleus gave way

Real Sociedad drew 1–1 with Lyon; Sarr's soleus injury forced his withdrawal at half-time after a dominant first-half display, destabilizing the defence.

Real Sociedad held Lyon to a 1–1 draw in a Europa League tie marked by two contrasting halves. In the first 45 minutes, an unusual central defensive pairing of Igor Zubeldia and Mamadou Sarr proved exceptional, completely neutralizing Lyon's attacking threat. Sarr in particular delivered what manager Pellegrino Matarazzo called his best first-half performance of the season, winning every duel and leading the defence with authority alongside Zubeldia's experience and positioning.

The match pivoted at half-time when Sarr did not return to the pitch. Matarazzo explained in his post-match press conference that the French centre-back had developed soleus muscle discomfort and the medical staff advised his removal as a precaution. "Sarr was playing very well. He had soreness in the soleus, he was loaded. The doctor said we had to take him off. It was a medical decision," Matarazzo said.

Without Sarr's defensive solidity, Real Sociedad's backline lost structure and cohesion. Jon Martín struggled to find his rhythm coming off the bench, and the team's overall pressure dropped. Lyon exploited the gap, with Tolisso capitalizing on a loose defensive moment from a Tessmann cross to equalize. Unai Marrero made a crucial save on a Lyon set-piece late on, but the damage was done—the imposing defensive wall built in the first half had crumbled.