Europe is closer. Real beat Elche this afternoon and took a huge step forward in the European race. Sorloth and Le Normand turned Carrillo's early goal around to give Real a vital win.
The home side took the lead right at the start with an early goal from Carrillo. La Real had the chance to equalize in the 17th minute but the referee disallowed a penalty scored by Isak for allegedly stopping his run before the shot. La Real completely dominated the game and were rewarded with an equalizer in the minute 31. Silva crossed in and Sorloth headed the ball into the net after the ball touched on a defender. With the txuri urdin having the complete control of the game, the realistas added a second after a corner kick. Le Normand headed Silva's delivery into the net to put us front at the break.
In the second half, Imanol's side continued to be superior despite the fact that the locals were often trying to reduce the deficit. La Real had good chances to score the third, but Diego Rico and Isak were unable to beat the Elche goalkeeper. In a fast counterattack on the right flank, Josan almost equalized, but his shot went just wide. La Real could have scored almost in every attack, but as they didn't, they had to remain intense until the final whistle.
A victory that allows Real to gain an advantage over their competitors. Nothing is final but the step taken today is a giant one. Our goal is closer. Aupa, Real!
Match sheet:
Elche CF: Edgar Badía (cap), Palacios (Josan, min.68), Roco, Diego González (Verdú, min.46), Mojica, Gumbau (Raúl Guti, min.46), Mascarell (Kike, min.82), Morente, Fidel, Pere Milla and Carrillo (Ponce, min.42).
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Zaldua (cap) (Gorosabel, min.85), Zubeldia, Le Normand, Rico (Aritz, min.79), Zubimendi, Merino, Rafael (Portu, min.68), Silva (Aihen, min.79), Isak and Sorloth (Januzaj, min.68).
Goals: 1-0: Carrillo, min.3. 1-1: Sorloth, min.31. 1-2: Le Normand, min.39.
Referee: Cuadra Fernández. Booked Palacios, Gumbau and Carrillo for Elche CF and Isak, Zubimendi and Zaldua for Real Sociedad.