Last-minute gut punch

Real Sociedad’s strong run of results came to a halt this afternoon with a 3–2 defeat to Villarreal. In an evenly matched contest, the visitors’ clinical finishing proved decisive. A harsh, last-minute loss for the txuri-urdin, who had poured everything into clawing back from an early 0–2 deficit.

The txuri urdin opened the game with plenty of possession and encouraging signs. Kubo, after a brilliant solo run, forced Júnior into a low save. Villarreal hadn’t troubled Remiro until their first real threat—just after the half-hour mark—when Ayoze put them ahead. Moments later, in a similar move, Gerard squandered what seemed a clear scoring chance. Real pushed hard for an equaliser before the break and nearly found it, most notably with an Aritz header that Júnior managed to tip behind for a corner.

Just after the restart, the Submarine extended their lead through Moleiro, but the txuri urdin responded strongly, reducing the deficit with a difficult right-footed strike from Soler. Real built momentum, and a shot from Guedes at the edge of the area forced the keeper to tip it behind for a corner. Moments later, Barrene brought the scores level with a stunning direct free kick. Buoyed by confidence, the Donostiarras pressed for a winner, only for heartbreak to strike in the final moments: Moleiro scored again, securing the victory for Villarreal and leaving La Real empty-handed despite their tremendous effort. A crushing blow.

A bitter defeat that brings Real Sociedad’s recent surge to a halt. It’s now time to reset and focus on the Copa del Rey, with their next clash scheduled for Wednesday in Reus.

Match details:

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Aritz (cap), Martín, Sergio Gómez, Gorrotxa, Soler (Zakharyan, min.77), Brais Méndez (Goti, min.84), Take (Turrientes, min.84), Guedes (Carrera, min.77) y Sadiq (Barrene, min.56).

Villarreal CF: Júnior, Mourinho, Foyth, Rafa Marín, Pedraza (Cardona, min.78), Comesaña, Gueye (Parejo, min.69), Buchanan (Akhomach, min.78), Moleiro, Ayoze (Oluwseyi, min.86) y Gerard (cap)(Mikautadze, min.69).

Goals: 0-1: Ayoze, min.31. 0-2: Moleiro, min.57. 1-2: Soler, min.60. 2-2: Barrene, min.87. 2-3: Moleiro, min.95.

Referee: Cesar Soto. Booked Sadiq, Martín and Barrene for Real Sociedad and Gueye, Ayoze, Moleiro, Pedraza, Mourinho, Júnior and Foyth.

Attendance: 30,142 spectators.