Real Sociedad beat Villarreal in their first LaLiga game at the Estadio de La Cerámica. The realistas came out strong and had the best opportunities through Asier Illarramendi and Mikel Merino, who could have get the opening goals but with no luck. However, Villarreal took the lead in the game with a goal by Gerard Moreno who shot from inside the box over Gero Rulli and put the home side 1-0 up. Real stood strong and continued dominating possession but with no clear chances. Then, a corner was awarded to Real Sociedad and Zubeldia got in a shot which was stopped by Asenjo. A few minutes from the break, Willian José made no mistake and scored the equalizer. There was nothing Asenjo could do to stop it. One minute before the half-time, the referee ruled out Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal and the score was 1-1 at the break.
It was more of the same in the second half. There were few goal scoring opportunities. Yet, the best chance for Real fell to Diego Llorente who got his head to the ball but was unable to score. Garitano made some substitutions, which was good for Real. Then, a defensive error was taken advantage by Juanmi, who made no mistake scoring from the top of the box.
Real stood firm despite Villarreal’s onslaught. The Yellows came close to score the equalizer on two occasions but the game ended in victory for Real which begin the season clinching the three points.
Lineups
Villarreal CF: Asenjo, Mario Gaspar, Álvaro, Funes Mori, A. Pedraza, M. Morlanes (Raba, min 65), Cáseres, P. Fornals (Bacca, min.77), S. Cazorla (Trigueros, min. 73), Toko Ekambi, Gerard.
Real Sociedad: Gero Rulli, Zaldua, Llorente R., H. Moreno, Theo, Zubeldia, Illarra, Merino (Zurutuza, min.59), R.Pardo (Juanmi, min.68), Oyarzabal (Aritz, min. 80), Willian J.
Goals: 1-0: Akolo min.11, 1-1: Willian J., min. 40, 1-2: Juanmi, min 71.
Referee: Melero López. Yellow cards were given to Morlanes (min. 36) ,Theo (min. 51), Cáseres (min. 67), Juanmi (min. 75) and Zaldua (min. 77).