Villa overturn Real's early lead in Premier League International Cup opener

In front of a packed Villa Park crowd, Aston Villa U21 faced Real Sociedad U21 on the opening day of the Premier League International Cup, and the Spanish side fell to a 5-1 defeat after briefly leading through a second‑minute strike.

Early strike gives Real a fleeting lead

Real Sociedad drew first blood in the second minute when Telletxea finished a swift, high‑press move, putting the visitors ahead.

The English response was swift; Meade levelled the score in the ninth minute, and a defensive mishap saw Ropero turn the ball into his own net in the 38th minute, handing Villa the advantage.

Villa's comeback seals a dominant victory

A penalty awarded to the home side saw McCraght strike the post, but Villa pressed on, with Blake finding the net in the 69th minute and adding a second four minutes later.

The final blow came from the spot in the 83rd minute, a maximum‑penalty that also resulted in a straight red card for the revulsivo Uranga, sealing a 5-1 rout.

Real started with Folgado, Isasa, Larrañaga, Ropero, Arana, Oleaga, Telletxea, Eceizabarrena, Xuban Fernández, Nebreda and Soroeta, before bringing on Uranga, Letamendia, Elcano and Garitaonaindia.

Unai Valverde, Periodista, noted that the team appeared hierarchically weaker than last season, with less Sanse presence, and warned that such a heavy loss could hamper their qualification hopes.

Los de Ansotegi now have three group games remaining – against Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and Fulham – in a group of eight where each side plays four matches.

Valverde added that more than 600 tickets were requested to watch Real in Belgium and Norway, underscoring the supporters’ enthusiasm despite the setback.