Rampant

Real Sociedad claimed their first victory in the UEFA Europa League tonight, beating Lillestrøm 6-0 in another match in which they demonstrated their formidable attacking prowess. The result matches the biggest European victory in the Club’s history, achieved against Vardar in 2017. The three points also move La Real up the continental standings.

The Norwegian side made an energetic start to the match, creating a couple of good chances, but as the minutes passed, the San Sebastián side gradually settled into the game. With an inspired Oyarzabal providing three assists, Real Sociedad scored three times in quick succession to establish an almost decisive 3-0 lead. Sergio Gómez netted twice, first with a left-footed strike and then with a right-footed finish. Sučić added the third with his own left foot. All three goals came from the captain’s passes.

The game was well under control, but the hosts had two good opportunities to get back into the contest. Marrero saved a penalty shortly after the start of the second half, while the crossbar prevented the home side from scoring after another effort. Real Sociedad then struck on a fine counterattack, with Óskarsson finishing a pass from Guedes to make it 4-0. Sučić scored the fifth after a fine individual move, before Zakharyan completed the rout with a perfect left-footed strike from the edge of the box.

There were five goals in Málaga, and tonight there were six. The team’s attacking firepower is a weapon to be exploited, and Matarazzo is making the most of it. Tonight’s performance will only strengthen the team further as they continue on their journey.

Match details:

Lillestrøm SK: Dahlberg, Ottesen (Ranger, 72'), Foss, Gabrielsen (c), Paintsil, Ottosson, Ibrahimaj, Nyheim (Melland, 88'), Bassi (Kitolano, 46'), Vá (Gulbrandsen, 72') and Olsen.

Real Sociedad: Marrero, Zubeldia, Martín, Sarr (Pacheco, 46'), Sergio Gómez, Gorrotxa (Turrientes, 66'), Soler, Sučić, Take (Marín, 58'), Guedes and Oyarzabal (c) (Óskarsson, 58').

Goals: 0-1: Sergio Gómez, 25'. 0-2: Sergio Gómez, 27'. 0-3: Sučić, 33'. 0-4: Óskarsson, 65'. 0-5: Sučić, 72'. 0-6: Zakharyan, 80'.

Referee: Al Emara (Finland). Booked Gabrielsen for the home side and Sarr and Gorrotxa for the visitors.