Solid win

Real Sociedad returned to winning ways with a solid and commanding display. A first-half strike from Soler earned the team victory in Mallorca, the ideal boost ahead of the semifinal second leg.

The opening half was evenly contested, with neither side able to take clear control. Both teams attempted to threaten in attack but struggled to create real danger. Ćaleta-Car went close with a header that, after deflecting off Mojica, skimmed past the post. Just after the half-hour mark, a quick move and a slice of fortune saw the ball fall to Soler, who fired a right-footed volley into the net to give the txuri-urdin the lead.

In the second half, Matarazzo’s side controlled the match very well. They reached the final third more comfortably but lacked the finishing touch, allowing Mallorca to stay alive and look for chances through Muriqi in search of an equaliser. Despite this, the txuri-urdin remained solid at the back, keeping the home side at bay and avoiding major scares in the closing stages.

A victory that allows Real Sociedad to climb up the table once again and head into Wednesday’s semifinal full of confidence.

Match sheet:

RCD Mallorca: Leo Román, Maffeo (Mateu, min.79), Valjent, Raillo (cap), Mojica, Mascarell (Morlanes, min.79), Samu Costa (Abdón, min.84), Darder, Joseph (Luvumbo, min.69), Virgili (Llabrés, min.84) and Muriqi

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Zubeldia, Ćaleta-Car, Sergio Gómez, Gorrotxa (Herrera, min.84), Turrientes, Soler (Barrene, min.63), Zakharyan (Sučić, min.63), Guedes and Oyarzabal (cap)(Marín, min.84).

Goal: 0-1: Soler, min.36.

Referee: Miguel Sesma. Booked Aramburu and Gorrotxa for Real Sociedad.