Gorka Elustondo – Real Sociedad (28/08/2013)

Here is a collector's item of immense value for football fans in Europe. This match-worn jersey was worn by Basque midfielder Gorka Elustondo during the second leg of the Champions League qualification playoff between Real Sociedad and Olympique Lyonnais at Anoeta.

Match Context: Real Sociedad secures its ticket to the stars

Having already won the first leg (0-2), the Basque team hosted Rémi Garde's OL to confirm their return to the most prestigious European competition. In a fiery atmosphere in San Sebastián, the Txuri-Urdin expertly managed their lead with great tactical mastery against a Lyon team that needed a miracle. While OL went all out at the start of the match, Real Sociedad definitively extinguished the hopes of the Rhône team in the second half. Forward Carlos Vela found the net and opened the scoring with a header from a corner (67th minute), before securing a sensational brace at the very end of the match after a solo run (90th+1 minute). Superior in all aspects, the Spanish team won authoritatively (2-0).

Gorka Elustondo: The regulator and local hero

A valuable defensive midfielder, with an excellent reading of the game, great tactical discipline, and an unwavering love for his formative club, Gorka Elustondo was one of the indispensable unsung heroes for the balance of the Basque team. Brought on in the 84th minute to secure the defense and contain Lyon's final attempts, he perfectly fulfilled his sentinel mission during the tense final moments. Worn on this historic celebratory evening for all the people of San Sebastián, this official kit features the Champions League patch and all professional markings. An essential European collector's item.