Real Sociedad secured a vital three points with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over a spirited Valencia at Mestalla, a win that solidifies their eighth-place position in La Liga with 10 points. Imanol Alguacil's side showed character to overcome a young Valencia team that fought back twice under interim coach Óscar Sánchez.
The match started with intensity and it was Real Sociedad who struck first in the 26th minute. A run down the right flank by Aramburu led to a cross that Job Ochieng headed, and the rebound fell to Luka Sučić, who made no mistake from close range. The Croatian, Real's top scorer this season with three goals in seven appearances, opened the scoring. Valencia, deep in the table, sought a response. Hugo Duro had a clear chance after a pass from Danjuma, but his shot grazed the post.
Valencia's fightback
The second half began with the home side equalising. In the 57th minute, Danjuma broke free on the wing and his cross to the near post was flicked on by Duro to Aaron Mayol, who scored his first La Liga goal after years in Levante's youth system. The Valencia joy was short-lived. In the 75th, a handball in the box was penalised and Carlos Soler powered home the penalty, restoring Real's lead. The midfielder was key to their creative play throughout.
Valencia refused to surrender and levelled again in unfortunate fashion. An 84th-minute cross from Otorbi from the left was cleared by defender Luken Beitia, but the ball ended up in his own net for an own goal. Mestalla erupted, believing a point was secured. However, Real Sociedad had the final say. In added time, a quick move ended with Soler assisting Ander Barrenetxea, who fired home with his right foot from the edge of the area to snatch the win. Valencia's right-back, Jon Martín, couldn't cut out the decisive pass.
Interim Valencia coach Óscar Sánchez praised his players' effort after the match. "The aim was keeping the team alive and lighting up Mestalla for the players who are too big for the youth team," he said. The defeat leaves Valencia with mixed feelings, having shown fight but no points. For Real Sociedad, this win provides a significant morale boost ahead of their next league fixture, a direct clash with Deportivo La Coruña at the Reale Arena. The team faces the next matchday with the confirmed absence of Álvaro Odriozola, whose presence was missed on the right flank.
The report in full is at El Mundo Deportes
