Real Sociedad earned a valuable point in their always challenging visit to Villarreal. With several key players missing, La Real showed grit and determination to earn a well-deserved draw against a strong Villarreal side, and stay alive in the European race.
The txuri urdin started brightly, with Marín forcing a save from Junior early on, but the hosts struck first through Yeremi Pino on their first clear chance. Things looked tricky after that, but a handball from Barry led to a penalty which Oyarzabal converted to level the score. Kubo nearly found the net with a curling cross that struck the bar, as did Foyth moments later with a header from a corner. The woodwork denied both sides. Just before halftime, Sučić had a golden chance to score, but Junior made a crucial block at point-blank range.
Right after the restart, Oyarzabal showed great determination to capitalize on a goalkeeping error and give La Real the lead. Ayoze levelled things up again fifteen minutes later with a strong header, and shortly after, Remiro made a key save from Barry’s close-range attempt. The final minutes were all about resisting Villarreal’s pressure—understandable given their lighter schedule this season—yet the realistas held firm.
A hard-earned draw on the road, against a team likely heading to the Champions League. Six games left. Everything to play for. We are Real.
Match details:
Villarreal CF: Junior, Kiko, Foyth, Costa, Cardona (Pedraza, min.70), Parejo (cap)(Gueye, min.70), Comesaña, Denis Suárez (Pepe, min.59), Yeremy, Ayoze and Barry.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré (Aramburu, min.64), Martín, Aritz, Aihen (Javi López, min.64), Turrientes (Olasagasti, min.70), Marín, Sučić (Pacheco, min.46), Sergio Gómez, Take (Brais, min.85) and Oyarzabal (cap).
Goals: 1-0: Yeremy, min.7. 1-1: Oyarzabal (pen), min.19. 1-2: Oyarzabal, min.49. 2-2: Ayoze, min.60.
Referee: Cuadra Fernández. Booked Yeremy and Cardona for Villarreal CF and Sergio Gómez for Real Sociedad.