La Real is getting used to winning like this, with solidity and the necessary efficiency to get three more points. This victory against Deportivo Alavés (1-0) consolidates the txuri urdin in European spots. A goal by Zubimendi in the second half decided a tight match in which the realistas were the better side against an Alavés that also had chances to equalize.
The match started with a cutting Alavés that approached Remiro’s area with relative danger. They didn't enjoy any clear chances, but stepped out on the pitch with great ambition. As the minutes went by la Real felt better and started to reach their opponents’ area. A fine through ball by Januzaj found Merino alone in front of Pacheco and the player from Navarre tried to chip in but to no avail. Isak also had two good chances to score. First, he tried his luck with a complicated backheel and then with a header that went over the top.
La Real intensified their dominance in the second half. There were no clear attacks, but they had chances to open the scoring. In the first quarter of hour, in a fine individual move, Zubimendi came very close to putting the txuri urdin ahead, but his close-range shot went just wide. The chances came one after the other and, finally, la Real broke the deadlock. Previously, Sorloth headed home but Laguardia saved it on the goal line. Twenty minutes before the final whistle, a play from Oyarzabal from set pieces saw him play a pass to Zubimendi, who headed into the far corner to put la Real in front. The hardest part was done. However, Alavés responded immediately and, had it not been for Remiro's saving hand, they would have equalized. Our goalkeeper put in a superb performance.
Another victory at the Reale Arena. Another win like the ones we have enjoyed this season in which la Real showed defensive solidity and the necessary force up top. There are ten games to go and we are very well placed in the table. Aupa, Real!
Match sheet:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel (Zaldua, min.74), Le Normand, Pacheco, Rico, Illarra (cap)(Zubimendi, min.46), Merino, Rafael (Zubeldia, min.83), Portu, Januzaj (Oyarzabal, min.62) and Isak (Sorloth, min.62).
Deportivo Alavés: Pacheco, Tenaglia, Laguardia (cap), Lejeune, Duarte, Pina (Escalante, min62), Toni Moya, Pere Pons (Loum, min.73), Edgar (Jason, min.73), Rioja and Joselu.
Goal: 1-0: Zubimendi, min.70.
Referee: Figueroa Vázquez. Booked Illarra for la Real Sociedad and Laguardia for Deportivo Alavés.
Attendance: 31,573 spectators.