La Real have done it again, scoring the winner with just minutes remaining to beat RCD Espanyol in yet another enthralling and unpredictable clash at the Reale Arena. Victory tastes even sweeter after scoring a penalty in the last minute. The goal from the penalty spot by Isak were enough for la Real to secure all the three points. The txuri urdin deserved more from an excellent performance but had to wait until the end to taste a victory that can be key in their European dream.
The match started with a clear chance for la Real. Zubimendi found himself with a ball near the box and, on a low angle, he launched a right-footed shot that Oier saved with his head. Imanol’s side dominated the game in the first half, although the Periquitos enjoyed two very good chances from set pieces that went just wide. Before the break, after a fine individual move by Diego Rico, Silva hit hard from close range but, again, Oier denied the effort.
At the beginning of the second half, the VAR disallowed an absolutely legal goal by Sorloth. Difficult to understand. La Real dominated the second half and continued going in search of the goal. Rafael dived to head Rico's cross, however, his effort went wide. The txuri urdin gave it their all in the final minutes but to no avail. Then, Calero tripped Merino and la Real were penalty awarded. Finally, Isak converted to give the realistas a much needed win.
Three valuable points to continue fighting for a spot in Europe. But there is still a long way to go and we have to keep going. Aupa, Real!
Match details:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel, Zubeldia (cap), Le Normand, Rico, Zubimendi, Rafael (Merino, min.71), Silva (Martin, min.88), Portu (Djouahra, min.61), Sorloth and Isak.
RCD Espanyol: Oier, Oscar Gil (Aleix Vidal, min.74), Calero, Cabrera (cap), Pedrosa, Herrera, Bare (Melendo, min.57), Embarba (Vilhena, min.7), Darder, Puado and Loren (Dimata, min.74).
Referee: Jaime Latre. Booked Rico and Isak for Real Sociedad and Herrera, Darder, Aleix Vidal and Pedrosa for RCD Espanyol.
Goal: 1-0: Isak, min.95.
Attendance: 20,869 spectators.