_338_.jpg)
Real Sociedad fell to defeat tonight at Mestalla in a match where, despite showing they deserved more, a lack of clinical finishing saw them return from Valencia empty-handed.
The game began with high intensity and early chances for both sides. Diego López headed wide in the hosts’ first big opportunity, while Óskarsson narrowly missed the target with a first-time effort from Becker’s cross. Valencia took the lead before the half-hour mark, capitalizing on a stroke of fortune when Foulquier's mishit shot turned into a dangerous cross that Hugo Duro converted from close range. Despite trailing, Imanol's team dominated possession and nearly equalized with a double chance, but neither Aritz nor Pacheco could turn the loose ball into a goal after a set piece.
La Real came out strong after halftime, with Brais and Óskarsson both threatening to equalize. The visitors’ persistence warranted a goal, but they couldn’t break through, and Valencia came close to adding a second on the counter. Remiro produced a brilliant save to keep Hugo Duro at bay. In the final minutes, Real Sociedad pressed hard, but they struggled to trouble Mamardashvili, as the game was disrupted by numerous stoppages in the last half-hour.
This result halts the txuri-urdin's momentum in their climb up the table. The fight continues. Aupa, Real!
Match sheet:
Valencia CF: Mamardashvili, Foulquier, Tárrega, Mosquera, Gayá (cap), Javi Guerra, Barrenechea, Almeida (Pepelu, min.67), Diego López (Fran Pérez, min.59), Rioja (Tenés, min.75) and Hugo Duro.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aritz (cap), Zubeldia, Pacheco (Olasagasti, min.46), Aguerd, Javi López (Take, min.62), Zubimendi, Sergio Gómez, Brais Méndez (Sučić, min.74), Becker (Barrene, min.62) and Óskarsson (Oyarzabal, min.74).
Goals: 1-0: Hugo Duro, min.27.
Referee: García Verdura. Booked Mosquera and Foulquier for Valencia and Pacheco, Javi López, Sergio Gómez and Zubimendi for Real Sociedad.