Real suffered until the final whistle but secured a hard-fought win with two missiles into the top corner. Barrene and Sadiq's goals earned three crucial points against a Sevilla side that that stepped up its efforts in the second half and came close to equalizing.
The game couldn't start any better with the hosts taking the lead within the first three minutes. Barrene, with a direct free-kick from the side of the box, surprised Dmitrovic with a shot to the near post. Sevilla responded with a shot from En-Nesyri which was well-saved by Remiro. However, it was the txuri urdin who struck again. Sadiq, in a fine individual move, eluded several defenders and sent the ball into the top corner from a long distance—a goal that will go down in the history books of the Reale Arena.
In the second half, the Nervión's side gave it their all, managing to reduce the deficit with a header from En-Nesyri that deflected off Le Normand. The Andalusians gained momentum and had a good chance to equalize with another attempt from their Moroccan striker hitting the woodwork. Real endured minutes of agony. Sadiq's header, which challenged Dmitrovic, dampened the visitors' assault, and Real regained their composure. Kubo had a one-on-one with the goalkeeper in the last minutes after stealing the ball, but his effort lacked power.
Ramos and Navas were both sent off almost in injury time and Sevilla were reduced to nine players, unable to threaten Real's triumph. Three points to stay in the privileged zone. We are Real.
Match sheet:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré (Aritz, min.84), Zubeldia, Le Normand, Aihen, Zubimendi, Merino (captain)(Turrientes, min.75), Brais Méndez, Barrene (Zakharyan, min.67), Take (Cho, min.84) and Sadiq (Oyarzabal, min.75).
Sevilla FC: Dmitrovic, Navas (captain), Sergio Ramos, Badé (Nianzou, min.73), Pedrosa, Soumaré (Óliver, min.46), Fernando (Rafa Mir, min.90), Rakitic, Ocampos (Gattoni, min.90), Lukebakio (Januzaj, min.73), and En-Nesyri.
Goals: 1-0: Barrene, min.3. 2-0: Sadiq, min.22. 2-1: En Nesyri, min.60.
Referee: Ortiz Arias. Booked Merino and Traoré for Real Sociedad. Sergio Ramos and Navas were sent off in the 88th minute.
Attendance: 33,879 spectators.