Real Sociedad have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Cup after a commanding 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano at the Reale Arena tonight. The txuri-urdin were in control from the outset and continue their strong run in the knockout competition.
The team began with energy, looking to control the match right from the start. The first chance, however, fell to Rayo, as Pedro Díaz forced Remiro into a double save. Aramburu responded with a powerful long-range effort that tested Cárdenas. The opening goal came midway through the first half when Take provided a brilliant assist, setting up Oyarzabal to calmly tap the ball into the net. Just before halftime, Olasagasti fired a stunning left-footed shot from distance to double the lead. A breathtaking strike. Rayo managed to pull one back in stoppage time, with Trejo converting a penalty in the final play of the first half.
Despite the setback, Real Sociedad maintained their focus and continued their pursuit of a third goal. Oyarzabal appeared to have set up Barrene for a goal, but the effort was ruled offside. With 15 minutes left, Pacha saw red for a second yellow card. Sergio Gómez then delivered a moment of magic, curling a free kick into the top corner, sealing the 3-1 win.
A well-deserved win for the txuri-urdin, who now await Monday’s draw to discover their quarter-final opponent. The team must quickly shift focus to Sunday’s match against Valencia to close out a successful week. Aupa Real!
Match sheet:
Real Sociedad: A. Remiro, Aramburu, Zubeldia, N. Aguerd, Aihen, Zubimendi, Olasagasti (Turrientes, min. 68), Sučić (Brais Méndez, min. 68), Take (Becker, min. 89), Barrene (Sergio Gómez, min. 68) y Oyarzabal (cap.) (Óskarsson, min. 82).
Rayo Vallecano: D. Cárdenas, Balliu, Aridane, Lejeune, Pacha, Pedro Díaz (Unai López, min. 65), Óscar V. (cap.), De Frutos (Embarba, min. 65), Trejo (Isi, min. 65), Álvaro (Pep Chavarría, min. 82) y Nteka (Camello, min. 71).
Goals: 1-0: Oyarzabal, min. 23; 2-0: Olasagasti, min. 45+1; 2-1: Trejo (pen.), min. 45+7; 3-1: Sergio Gómez, min. 79.
Referee: Hernández Maeso. Booked Zubimendi for Real Sociedad and Lejeune and Isi for Rayo Vallecano. Pacha was sent off with a double yellow card (min. 77).
Attendance: 27.816 spectators.