Real Sociedad suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat against Rayo Vallecano in a match where the result felt harsh on the txuri urdin. Despite putting in a solid performance, it was the visitors who made the most of their chance in front of goal to take all three points.
The opening half offered few real opportunities. Oyarzabal went close with a difficult volley that Batalla managed to push away, while Guedes sent another attempt over the bar. At the other end, a defensive lapse nearly gifted De Frutos a goal with Remiro out of position, but the danger passed and the first half ended goalless.
The game came to life after the restart. Oyarzabal forced another fine save with a left-footed effort, before Rayo replied through Chavarría, whose shot missed the target by inches. The Real captain had another big chance to put his team ahead, but his strike was blocked by the defense. In the final minutes, the visitors landed the decisive blow when Pacha Espino found the net, leaving Real without time to react.
The positive signs shown in recent matches faded with today’s defeat. Back to square one — and now two weeks to process a frustrating and painful result.
Match sheet:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Zubeldia, Ćaleta-Car, Sergio Gómez, Gorrotxa, Soler (Take, 61’), Brais Méndez (Marín, 80’), Barrene (Karrika, 80’), Guedes (Sučić, 61’) and Oyarzabal (captain).
Rayo Vallecano: Batalla, Andrei, Lejeune, Pathé Ciss, Pepe Chavarría (Jozhua, 71’), Unai López, Óscar (captain), Isi (Díaz, 66’), Álvaro (Fran Pérez, 46’), De Frutos (Nteka, 77’) and Alemao (Pacha, 77’).
Goal: 0–1: Pacha, 84’.
Referee: José Luis Guzmán. Booked Soler for Real Sociedad and Isi and Lejeune for Rayo.
Attendance: 31,189 spectators.