Real were superior to Villarreal and secured a 3-0 victory this afternoon. With goals from Merino, Zubimendi, and Kubo, Real's performance was excellent, moving the team up the table with these crucial three points.
The realistas had the better chances in the first half. Merino's header from Kubo's cross put Jorgensen to the test, while Morales' attempt for the hosts was foiled by a quick defense. Real played brilliantly, scoring from a corner with a superb header from Merino. Soon after, Zubimendi made it 2-0 by diverting Zakharyan's strike into the net from another corner. Villarreal had chances through Parejo and Gerard, but Remiro's safe hands kept them out. A fantastic exchange between Merino and Kubo before halftime resulted in the Japanese star extending the txuri urdin’s lead.
The second half was a back-and-forth affair, but Remiro's superb performance kept Villarreal from capitalizing on their chances. Sadiq got a clear chance for Real, but he couldn't convert in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The game remained under control, and despite Villarreal's improved their performance in the second half, Real didn't have to work hard to keep the lead.
With this victory, Real heads confidently into Tuesday's clash in Milan, where they will compete for the top spot in the UEFA Champions League group. We are Real.
Match details:
Villarreal CF: Jorgensen, Foyth, Albiol (cap), Cuenca, Pedraza, Parejo (Terrats, min.90), Capoué, Altimira (Ilias, min.46), Baena, Morales (Sorloth, min.73), and Gerard (Brereton, min.90).
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré, Aritz (cap), Zubeldia (Pacheco, min.59), Tierney, Zubimendi, Merino, Brais Méndez (Turrientes, min.30), Zakharyan (Aihen, min.78), Take, and Sadiq (Carlos Fernández, min.78).
Goals: 0-1: Merino, min.38. 0-2: Zubimendi, min.41. 0-3: Take, min.45+4.
Referee: Melero López. Booked Capoué and Pedraza for Villarreal CF and Zubimendi for Real Sociedad.