It finally happened. Real Sociedad won Granada to achieve a victory that had proved elusive at the beginning of this league season. Vibrant in their attack, Imanol's team has brought the first joy to a dedicated fanbase.
Imanol's squad came onto the freshly renovated Reale Arena pitch with great energy. In the early minutes, they displayed fluent football that allowed them to take the lead thanks to a fine goal by Kubo. The Japanese player capitalized on a pass from Brais to beat Raúl with a low shot. Real Sociedad was clearly superior in this first half, but a corner kick, with the misfortune of a deflection, allowed Granada to equalize. A headed ball at the near post touched Le Normand's foot and found its way into the net. Unfortunate luck. Just before halftime, in a typical Kubo action, the attacker added a second with a shot to the far post. In injury time, Barrene hit the crossbar in what could have been the third. The txuri urdin were ahead at the break.
In the second half, there was only one team on the field. Real Sociedad was superior, and before the hour mark, they extended their lead with a goal by Zubimendi. The midfielder finished a beautiful attacking play with an unstoppable strike. If the third goal was beautiful, the fourth was a marvel. A backheel pass from Oyarzabal allowed Barrene to beat Raúl with a low shot. Beautiful. The fifth goal was good fortune. Kubo picked up a rebound from the defense, his cross touched a defender and gently found the net. Then, Lucas Boyé, scored the second for Granada. In injury time, Sadiq hit the woodwork with a rebound from his own shot. In the final play, Bryan scored the third for the visitors.
Real Sociedad heads into the break with a victory and very positive feelings. Fifteen days to continue the preparations. Excited for what lies ahead. Aupa, Real!
Match Sheet:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Tierney (Aihen, min.69), Zubimendi, Merino (Turrientes, min.83), Brais Méndez, Barrene (Zakharyan, min.79), Oyarzabal (cap)(Sadiq, min.79), and Take (Cho, min.79).
Granada CF: Raúl, Víctor Díaz (cap)(Ricard, min.66) Rubio (Bosch, min.66), Miquel, Neva, Sergio Ruiz (Melendo, min.66), Gumbau (Villar, min.79), Callejón (Puertas, min.66), Bryan, Lucas Boyé, and Uzuni.
Goals: 1-0: Take, min.9. 1-1: Le Normand (own goal), min.36. 2-1: Take, min.44. 3-1: Zubimendi, min.59. 4-1: Barrene, min.69. 5-1: Bosch (own goal), min.78. 5-2: Lucas Boyé, min.83. 5-3: Bryan, min.99.
Referee: Iglesias Villanueva. Booked Oyarzabal for Real Sociedad and Miquel, Lucas Boyé, Sergio Ruiz, Víctor Ruiz, and Bryan for Granada CF.
Attendance: 27,808 spectators.