Real clinched three fantastic points tonight at the Sánchez Pizjuán. In a match in which the txuri urdin were already ahead, two straight reds for the hosts put the game to bed. Goals by Sorloth and Brais Méndez were the icing on the cake of this first part of LaLiga.
The opening minutes were played at a break-neck pace, with the visitors carving out the first chance through Merino, opportunity that was well saved by Bono. After 20 minutes, and thanks to a pass from Merino, Sorloth chopped the ball in front of the goalkeeper to put the realistas front. Shortly after, in front of Isco, Remiro produced the save of the season. The striker's shot from point blank range was just inside the post, but our keeper did well. He made a magnificent save to touch the ball just wide and send the ball to the corner. In six minutes, Sevilla were reduced to nine men. Two hard fouls by Rakitic and Nianzou paved the way for the realistas, who doubled their lead with another goal by Brais Méndez. Just before the break, Rafa Mir cut the deficit with a great header from a cross.
After the restart, la Real just kept the ball in their possession and gradually wore Sevilla down. A great opportunity came through Silva, who could have scored the third, but Bono saved his crossed shot with his foot. Imanol's side had the game under control and almost didn't allow the locals to have any chances. La Real could have added a third with a one-on-one from Marín, but as they failed to do so, the scoreboard remained open until the final whistle.
A magnificent victory to finish LaLiga in this first part of the season, in the top spots of the table. Now it's time to focus on the Copa del Rey and to recharge the batteries after it. Go Real!
Match sheet:
Sevilla FC: Bono, Navas (cap), Nianzou, Rekik (Jordán, min.46), Telles, Gudelj, Rakitic, Óliver (Delaney, min.64), Isco (Kike Salas, min.46), Lamela (Januzaj, min.89) and Rafa Mir (En-Nesyri, min.64).
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Sola (Navarro, min.73), Le Normand, Pacheco, Rico, Rico, Zubimendi (Guevara, min.46), Merino (cap)(Zubeldia, min.46), Silva (Marín, min.61), Brais Méndez, Carlos Fernández (Take, min.10) and Sorloth.
Goals: 0-1: Sorloth, min.20. 0-2: Brais Mendez, min.37. 1-2: Rafa Mir, min.44.
Referee: Del Cerro Grande. Booked Navas for Sevilla FC and Merino and Pacheco for Real Sociedad. He sent off Rakitic with a straight red card in the 28th minute and Nianzou in the 34th minute.