Away win to Villarreal ensure European spot (1-2)
It will always be remembered. La Real won on an important stage and qualified for the Europa League after beating Villarreal 1-2 in an intense match in which Imanol's team overcame the hosts’ initial advantage with goals by Isak and Zubimendi. Skipper Illarra was on Imanol's starting eleven and played a 65-minute performance on midfield.
From the first whistle, la Real were in control of the match and had the best chances. Both Sorloth and Isak could have put Real ahead, but they failed to score in front of Rulli. The hosts enjoyed some chances too as Chukwueze and Parejo tried their luck in front of Remiro, who denied them. Just before the break, in a strategy play, the yellows took the lead with a good volley by Coquelin.
The second half started with a strong shot by Rico that went into the side netting. Then, in a quick counterattack, Chukwueze came close to scoring the second. La Real continued to play well and the equalizer arrived. Nice txuri urdin play. Gorosabel's provided a cross to Isak who crossed the ball all over the small area and shot into the net at the far post. The txuri urdin managed to turn the scoreboard around in the 74’ minute thanks to a goal by Zubimendi. After a good combination between Silva and Merino, the player from San Sebastian fired la Real to three points at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
A triumph to round off a season that still has one last match to go. Farewell in style at the Reale Arena with la Real trying to reach the fifth place. Let's enjoy it. Aupa, Real!
- Match stats:
Villarreal CF: Rulli, Foyth, Albiol (cap)(Trigueros, min.81), Pau Torres Estupiñán, Capoué, Parejo, Coquelin (Mario, min.81), Chukwueze, Lo Celso and Dia (Jackson, min.65).
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Zaldua (Gorosabel, min.46), Zubeldia, Le Normand, Rico, Zubimendi, Illarra (cap)(Rafael, min.65), Merino, Silva, Isak (Portu, min.88) and Sorloth (Januzaj, min.81).
Goals: 1-0: Coquelin, min.43. 1-1: Isak, min.56. 1-2: Zubimendi, min.74.
Referee: González Fuertes. Booked Foyth, Albiol and Lo Celso for Villarreal CF and Zaldua and Isak for Real Sociedad.
- Match report by realsociedad.com
