Real Sociedad earned their first La Liga win of the season by beating Espanyol 2-1 on Saturday, August 29th at the Reale Arena. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal, honoured by the crowd before kick-off, was the architect of the victory with two crucial assists.
Pellegrino Matarazzo's team started the match with overwhelming intensity. In just the 3rd minute, Oyarzabal found Ander Barrenetxea in the box and he made no mistake to put the txuri-urdin ahead. The early lead settled nerves in a stadium paying tribute to its captain, a recent world champion with Spain. Real Sociedad, who before the match were bottom of the standings with zero points and two losses, showed from the outset their urgency to change the dynamic.
How did the match unfold?
With the lead, Real Sociedad controlled the game but failed to extend their advantage. Barrenetxea missed a clear chance in the 18th minute and Oyarzabal forced visiting goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic into a save in the 25th. However, Espanyol managed to equalise against the run of play just before half-time. In the 44th minute, Roberto Fernández took advantage of a defensive error to beat Álex Remiro. The away goal changed the complexion of the match.
The reaction in the second half was immediate and decisive. On the hour mark, Oyarzabal was key again. His cross from the left flank was headed home by Icelandic striker Orri Steinn Óskarsson for the definitive 2-1. Espanyol, now with two consecutive defeats, pushed for an equaliser with danger. Javi Hernández hit the post and substitute Gabriel Moscardo was denied by Remiro. Real's goalkeeper suffered a knock that stopped play but was able to continue.
What happened with the Real Sociedad bench?
The victory was marred by a double sending-off on the home bench in the dying minutes. Referee Manuel Jesús Orellana Cid showed a direct red card to manager Pellegrino Matarazzo in the 93rd minute for his protests. One of his assistants was also dismissed. Earlier, Beñat Turrientes (16') and Igor Zubeldia (92') had been booked for Real. For Espanyol, Urko González de Zárate (21'), Marcos Fernández (74'), Roger Hinojo (81') and Rafel Bauzà (87') received yellow cards.
Matarazzo used all five substitutions to manage the result. Yangel Herrera and Alex Marchal came on shortly after the second goal, while Takefusa Kubo and Gonçalo Guedes entered in the 77th minute. Guedes had a great chance to seal it, but Dmitrovic made a spectacular save. Jon Gorrotxategi was the final change in the 89th. The team showed a character that had been missing in the opening fixtures.
What is the context of this win?
This victory is a fundamental breather for a team that arrived at the match in a difficult situation. Real Sociedad started the day at the very bottom of La Liga, with 0 points, one goal scored and five conceded after two losses. The win lifts them off the bottom, though they remain seven points behind leaders Alaves. Their negative goal difference of -4 is beginning to be corrected.
The team is already looking ahead to the next challenge. This coming Wednesday, September 3rd, they will host Celta Vigo at Anoeta, a team currently in 14th place. Another win would be key to climbing the table and solidifying their improvement. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page.
Were there any moves after the match?
Immediately after the final whistle, the club announced a defensive reinforcement. Real Sociedad have made official the signing of right-back Héctor Fort, who joins from FC Barcelona. The 19-year-old spent last season on loan at Elche, where he played 17 matches, scoring three goals and providing two assists. His arrival aims to add depth and attacking threat on the right flank, an area the coaching staff wanted to strengthen. Details on his performance and team data are available in our stats section.
