A wonder goal seals all three points

La Real claimed another win at Anoeta, beating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 thanks to a superb second-half strike from Óskarsson. The result keeps the tour urdin near the top of the table.

The match began with a chance for Orri, who fired a cross-shot towards goal. Matches against Rayo are usually open affairs, and this one looked set to follow that pattern, although it eventually proved to be a tighter contest. Take also attempted one of his trademark moves down the right, but his effort took a deflection off a defender and ended up in the side netting. Sučić tried his luck from the edge of the box, but his shot also flew just wide. The visitors did not threaten Remiro until the closing minutes of the first half, when De Frutos, under pressure, dragged a hurried effort over the bar.

Chances were harder to come by after the break, although Real Sociedad began to assert their dominance. Rayo remained well organised and looked dangerous on the counter-attack, forcing Remiro into a fine save to tip away De Frutos' volley. Soon afterwards, the visitors had another gilt-edged opportunity, but Pedro Díaz, virtually unmarked, blazed over the bar. Those were Rayo's best spells of the match. However, it was La Real who struck on the counter-attack: Remiro launched a long ball towards Barrene, who got past his marker before delivering a wonderful cross for Óskarsson to beat Audero. Rayo pushed forward in search of an equaliser in the closing stages, but Isi's effort from the edge of the box in added time drifted wide of Remiro's goal.

Three points to stay up there. To head into the international break with a smile. To look to the future with optimism. And to keep our ambitions alive.

Match details:

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu (Fort, 62'), Martín, Zubeldia (capt.), Aihen (Sergio Gómez, 84'), Turrientes (Gorrotxa, 71'), Soler, Sučić, Barrene (Ochieng, 71'), Take (Guedes, 62') and Óskarsson.

Rayo Vallecano: Audero, Andrei, Lejeune, Mujaid (Isi, 79'), Pedrosa (Jozhua, 79') (Alemao, 89'), Pathe Ciss, Pedro Díaz, Unai López (capt.) (Bouare, 79'), Tsitaishvili, De Frutos and Camello.

Goal: 1-0: Óskarsson, 67'.

Referee: Juan Martínez. He booked Zubeldia and Turrientes for the hosts, and Tsitaishvili and Bouare for the visitors.

Attendance: 30,367 spectators.