Real Sociedad wrote the final chapter of their history at Mestalla with a last-gasp victory. Ander Barrenetxea scored the winning goal in stoppage time for a 2-3 result that closes 87 meetings at the cathedral of Turia.
The match was a tribute to football and a stadium with nearly a century of life. Luka Sučić put the visitors ahead, but Aaron Mayol equalised for Valencia. Carlos Soler, from the penalty spot, put Real back in front. An unfortunate own goal by Luken Beitia seemed to spoil everything, until Barrenetxea appeared for the definitive strike. Goalkeeper Álex Remiro was also key with a miraculous save from a Blázquez header.
A historic chapter
With this win, Real Sociedad ends a long rivalry on this ground. Of the 87 duels played at Mestalla, the final tally is 54 home wins, 18 draws and 15 away victories. In total, there have been 182 goals for Valencia and 82 for Real, a difference of one hundred. The match also saw the sending off of Óskarsson after the final whistle, adding to the 93 yellow and 7 red cards that have punctuated these clashes.
The team leaves behind a stadium full of memories of legends like Valery Karpin, Sergio Canales or the more recent Portu. Attention now turns to the league, where Real sit eighth with 10 points after seven matchdays. They face a direct duel for European positions against Deportivo La Coruna, seventh in the table, next on October 11th at the Reale Arena.
The squad, with Álvaro Odriozola sidelined, approaches this period with morale boosted after an irregular start to the season. The team has scored 9 goals but conceded 13, so defensive solidity will be a point to improve. To follow the team's progress and their numbers, visit our stats page.
The report in full is at Mundo Deportivo
