La Real made up for a difficult week and clinched three valuable points this afternoon against Osasuna. Thanks to a goal by Aritz in the second half, the txuri urdin recorded an important victory that allows them to remain fully involved in the European race. Asier Illarramendi was back on league duty, as he was in the starting eleven and played 71 minutes before being replaced by Zubimendi.

Imanol's side wanted to have the possession from the start and dominated the first half. The best chance for the realistas fell to Ander Martín, whose shot from the edge of the area was well saved by Sergio Herrera. Gorosabel, in a fine individual move, came close to fire home in front of goal but his shot went wide. Silva and Isak tried their luck from the six-yard box but their strikes didn’t find a finisher. Just before the break, Rubén could have opened the scoring but his shot found nobody to finish the action.

La Real started the second half on the front foot as Aritz gave the realistas the lead after a messy corner kick. Osasuna reacted through Nacho Vidal, who received an assist inside the box and fired home. However, his shot went just wide. La Real dominated possession and had several chances to double their lead but they were unable to capitalize on their chances and made us suffer until the final whistle.

We needed a game like this to boost morale. To stay on top. To believe. To trust in ourselves as we have done so far. As always. Aupa, Real!

- Match stats:

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aritz, Le Normand, Pacheco, Gorosabel (Portu, min.82), Illarra (cap)(Zubimendi, min.71), Merino, Silva, Martín (Oyarzabal, min.59), Djouahra (Sola, min.71) and Isak (Sorloth, min.71).

CA Osasuna: Sergio Herrera, Nacho Vidal, David García (cap), Juan Cruz, Manu Sánchez (Cote, min.83), Torró (Kike, min.64), Moncayola, Darko, Ruben García (Kike Barja, min.73), Chimy Ávila (Roberto Torres, min.82) and Budimir.

Goal: 1-0: Aritz, min.52.

Referee: Mateu Lahoz. Cautioned Juan Cruz, Nacho Vidal and Cote for CA Osasuna.

Attendance: 30,415 spectators.

- Match report by realsociedad.com