La Real won again at the Reale Arena. After their European victory on Thursday, today they defeated RCD Espanyol 2-1 in an entertaining match in which Imanol's side clearly deserved the three points.
The match could not have been more entertaining. From the very first whistle, both sides played lively and cheerful soccer, with Real la taking the initiative, as usual. After several good actions, Kubo's faith gave Imanol’s team the lead. The Japanese pressured an impossible ball and, after the goalkeeper's mistake, Sorloth only had to find the back of the net. The Pericos reacted immediately, and equalized two minutes later with a goal by Expósito. La Real continued to play their game and took the lead again. Right after a header by Sorloth that was well saved by the keeper, a perfect attacking play by the txuri urdin ended in a goal by Brais Mendez. A beautiful combination that was finished by the player from Galicia with a subtle touch.
The second half was very different from the first. Although the realistas were still the superior side and enjoyed a bit more of the ball during the first thirty minutes after the restart, they didn’t create chances. Then, the side from San Sebastián grew into the game and could have increased their lead, especially with a shot by Silva that went wide. Espanyol had a great chance to equalize, but Remiro masterfully saved Cabrera's header from close range.
La Real head into the international break with all the three points. Aúpa, Real!
Match sheet:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel, Aritz (cap.), Pacheco, Aihen, Zubimendi, Merino, Sliva (Cho, min.83), Brais Méndez (Zubeldia, min.88), Take (Turrientes, min.82) and Sorloth.
RCD Espanyol: Álvaro Fernández, Omar (Puado, min.54), Sergi Gómez, Cabrera, Oliván, Calero (Aleix, min.75), De Souza (Pol Lozano, min.85), Darder (cap), Edu Expósito (Dani Gómez, in.75), Braithwaite and Joselu.
Goals: 1-0: Sorloth, min.17. Edu Expósito, min.19. 2-1: Brais Méndez, min.29.
Referee: Del Cerro Grande. Cautioned Brais Méndez, Aritz and Sorloth for Real Sociedad.
Attendance: 31,511 spectators.