Real Sociedad will look to create a good impression on Tuesday when it plays in the Champions League for the first time in over a decade against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The last time the Spanish side played in Europe's top competition was in 2003 when it got out of the group stage but fell against Lyon in the first round of knockouts.
The team took down Lyon on its way to securing the berth to this tournament, but faces a stiff challenge against a Ukrainian side that did some damage a year ago.
The squad finished second in a group that included Chelsea and Juventus and wound up eliminating the then defending champion Chelsea from contention. The team then went on to a round of 16 meeting with Borussia Dortmund but wound up eliminated in quick order.
Despite the team's experience, at least one player on the team is feeling the intensity of the Champions League for the first time.
"Since my childhood I have dreamed of being a great football player,'' Brazilian midfielder Fred said, according to ESPN. "Now I play for a strong European team against strong rivals. So you could say my dream is coming true.''
Regarding his club's opponents on Tuesday, he added: "There are no weak outfits in the Champions League... The upcoming game in Spain will be tough, especially as we are playing away. I think that Spanish football is of a very high standard which is still growing and we will need to work very hard to beat them.''
Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk manages a 2-1 victory.
Start Time: 2:45 PM EST
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