In a thrilling encounter at the Anoeta Stadium, Elche struggled to find the net as they succumbed to the prowess of Real Sociedad, who celebrated a 3-1 victory. Luka Sucic drew first blood for the home team with a well-executed goal in the 23rd minute, followed by Mikel Oyarzábal extending the lead with another goal in the 36th minute.
Elche responded before halftime with a strike from André Silva, narrowing the score to 2-1 in the 41st minute. Despite their efforts and holding 61% possession during the match, Elche was unable to alter the outcome, with Orri Óskarsson sealing the fate of the game by scoring the final goal for Real Sociedad in the 88th minute.
A highlight of the match was Óskarsson’s goal, coming from a precise cross by Jon Gorrotxategi that allowed the forward to finish from inside the box.
Mikel Oyarzábal’s performance earned him the title of Man of the Match, contributing a goal, making 2 shots on target, and completing 17 successful passes. Luka Sucic also played a crucial role, scoring once, making 2 accurate passes, and attempting a pair of shots.
Real Sociedad’s manager, Pellegrino Matarazzo, opted for a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Álex Remiro in goal, supported by Álvaro Odriozola, Igor Zubeldía, Duje Caleta-Car, and Sergio Gómez in defense. The midfield consisted of Pablo Marín, Jon Gorrotxategi, Carlos Soler, and Luka Sucic, with Gonçalo Guedes and Mikel Oyarzábal spearheading the attack.
On the other side, Elche, managed by Eder Sarabia, utilized a 5-3-2 setup, with Iñaki Peña guarding the net, and a defensive line comprising John Donald, Víctor Chust, David Affengruber, Léo Pétrot, and Germán Valera. Grady Diangana, Martim Neto, and Aleix Febas operated in midfield, while Alvaro Rodriguez and André Silva led the forward line.
Referee José Guzmán Mansilla officiated the match, which saw the home team climb to eighth place with 31 points. Elche, now with 24 points, stands in thirteenth place in the league.
Substitutions for Real Sociedad
28’ 1T – Luka Sucic off for Beñat Turrientes
63’ 2T – Gonçalo Guedes off for Job Ochieng; Álvaro Odriozola off for Jon Aramburu
80’ 2T – Carlos Soler off for Yangel Herrera
81’ 2T – Mikel Oyarzábal off for Orri Óskarsson
Bookings for Real Sociedad:
47’ 1T – Pellegrino Matarazzo (Dissent towards the referee)
Substitutions for Elche
54’ 2T – John Donald off for Adriá Pedrosa
55’ 2T – Martim Neto off for Marc Aguado
72’ 2T – Léo Pétrot off for Lucas Cepeda; Víctor Chust off for Pedro Bigas
78’ 2T – Grady Diangana off for Gonzalo Villar
Bookings for Elche:
6’ 1T – David Affengruber (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement)
49’ 1T – Aleix Febas (Dissent towards the referee)
19’ 2T – Grady Diangana (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement)
41’ 2T – Gonzalo Villar (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement)