Three wins out of three - you couldn’t really ask for a better start. The realistas packed a punch at Riazor during what was always going to be a difficult game; the team responded in the final minutes of a close match after enjoying a whirlwind start. Two goals from Illarra and one each from Juanmi and Llorente sealed the win, to equal the run of three consecutive wins at the start of the 1981-82 season. It’s clear that this Real Sociedad want to make history too.
A great start to the game propelled Eusebio’s men to the win, with two goals in the first four minutes – both of which were wonderful finishes. Juanmi, with an acrobatic strike and Illarra with a low volley gave the realistas a two-goal lead. But there was still a whole match to play and the home team had time to get back into it. Depor gradually came back into the match and Adrián reduced the distance with a beautiful finish. Just before half-time, the ref didn’t award a penalty for a foul by Luisinho on txuri-urdin debutant Januzaj.
Not longer after the teams returned Andone levelled the score, leaving the visitors with it all to do once again. The game opened up with neither side in control. La Real almost retook the lead with an Iñigo shot which went just wide, but Depor also went close. As the game was entering its final stage, the Guipuzcoanos made an extra push for the win. Debutant Diego Llorente got off the mark in the best possible way, turning in an Aritz header from a corner. Illarra, in a brilliant solo move, blasted in the fourth goal to put the score in no doubt.
La Real continue in a sweet moment. Today the team responded after the hosts had fought back. The players believe in what they are doing and are carrying it out superbly. Let’s hope it doesn’t stop. Next up, our opening European game...
Match details:
RC Deportivo: Tyton, Juanfran, Schar, Sidnei, Luisinho, Guilherme, Pedro Mosquera (c), Fede Cartabia (Fede Valverde, min.64), Bruno Gama (Lucas, min.50), Adrián and Andone (Bakkali, min.71).
Real Sociedad: Rulli, Odriozola, Aritz, I. Martínez (Llorente R., min.66), Rodrigues, Illarra, Zurutuza, X. Prieto (c), Januzaj (Carlos V., min.74), Juanmi (Canales, min.54) and Willian J.
Goals: 0-1: Juanmi, min.3. 0-2: Illarra, min.4. 1-2: Adrián, min.27. 2-2: Andone, min.50. 2-3: Llorente R., min.83. 2-4: Illarra, min.86.
Referee: Munuera Montero. Booked Guilherme (Deportivo) and Juanmi, Rodrigues and Odriozola.
