Victory in stoppage time

Real Sociedad claimed three precious points at Mestalla in a match that, just as at Elche, was decided by a goal in stoppage time.

The txuri-urdin started well, dominating possession and dictating the tempo from the outset. Their play had clarity and purpose, and before the half-hour mark they were rewarded when Sučić curled a perfectly weighted ball into the top corner after a neat lay-off from Ochieng. Valencia had to respond and gradually grew into the game. Danjuma came close to teeing up Hugo Duro with a piece of individual brilliance, only for Jon Martín to intervene at the crucial moment. Real Sociedad had two good counter-attacking opportunities before the break to double their advantage, but neither Guedes nor Oyarzabal could beat Dimitrievski.

The second half opened with another clear chance for the captain, Oyarzabal sending a Sučić through ball just wide. Valencia levelled before the hour mark when Mayol struck a perfect half-volley that crashed into the top corner past Remiro. Real Sociedad came under pressure after the equaliser, but a fine piece of play from Yangel Herrera earned a penalty that Soler converted to restore the lead. The match seemed to be heading for a txuri-urdin victory when, in an attempt to prevent a close-range finish, Beitia turned the ball into his own net to make it 2-2 with the game almost up. But, just as in Elche, the txuri-urdin kept pushing for the win and, from a corner, Barrene met the ball sweetly and drove it into the top corner to seal a dramatic winner. The final moments were not without drama, as Óskarsson was shown a second yellow card in the 96th minute, but by then the three points were already secured.

Three points that bring some calm before a lengthy league break. Hard-fought, but a victory that means a great deal.

Match details:

Valencia CF: Dimitrievski, Maffeo, Pepé, de Haas, Gayá (cap.) (Vázquez, 82'), Ugrinic (Otorbi, 46'), Guido (Elliott, 69'), Mayol, Danjuma (Rioja, 88'), Javi Guerra, Hugo Duro (Blázquez, 82').

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Beitia, Jon Martín, Sergio Gómez (Aihen, 69'), Gorrotxa (Herrera, 69'), Soler, Sučić (Zakharyan, 88'), Ochieng (Barrene, 61'), Guedes, Oyarzabal (cap.) (Óskarsson, 61').

Goals: 0-1 Sučić (26'); 1-1 Mayol (57'); 1-2 Soler (pen., 76'); 2-2 Beitia o.g. (84'); 2-3 Barrene (92').

Referee: José Luis Munuera. Bookings: de Haas, Gayá (Valencia); Sučić (Real Sociedad). Red card: Óskarsson (double yellow, 96').