In a captivating display of football, Real Sociedad and Espanyol ended in a 2-2 draw at Anoeta Stadium. The hosts, known as Los Txuri-urdines, faced a tough battle against Espanyolistas, who took an early lead in the match.
Espanyol came out strong, with Pere Milla scoring a header in the 9th minute, followed by a penalty from Javi Puado just before halftime at the 45th minute, putting them ahead 2-0. However, Real Sociedad was not to be underestimated, showcasing resilience in the second half.
Ander Barrenetxea sparked hope for the home side by netting a goal in the 61st minute. The excitement built when Orri Óskarsson leveled the match with a precise shot in the 68th minute, securing a draw.
Despite dominating the possession with 59%, Real Sociedad could not claim victory, settling for just one point from this encounter.
Espanyol had a chance to extend their lead, but Javi Puado missed a critical penalty in the 43rd minute, which might have changed the game’s outcome.
Orri Óskarsson was instrumental for Real Sociedad, making his mark with one goal, two shots on target, and four successful passes, earning him the player of the match title. Espanyol’s standout performer, Edu Expósito, recorded an impressive 59 accurate passes, won 6 tackles, and had two shots at goal.
Real Sociedad’s head coach, Sergio Francisco, deployed a 3-5-2 formation with Alex Remiro in goal; Jon Aramburu, Jon Martín, and Igor Zubeldía as defenders; Beñat Turrientes, Sergio Gómez, Takefusa Kubo, Luka Sucic, and Pablo Marín in midfield; and Ander Barrenetxea alongside Mikel Oyarzábal up front.
On the other side, Espanyol’s manager, José González Álvarez, opted for a 4-4-2 setup featuring Marko Dmitrovic in goal; Omar el Hilali, Miguel Rubio, Leandro Cabrera, and Carlos Romero in defense; Tyrhys Dolan, Pol Lozano, Edu Expósito, and Pere Milla in midfield; with Roberto Fernández and Javi Puado leading the attack.
Referee Alejandro Quintero González oversaw the match, ensuring fair play throughout.
Looking ahead, Real Sociedad will visit Real Oviedo in their next match, while Espanyol will host Osasuna at home.
Post-match, Real Sociedad sits at 11th place in the standings with 2 points, while Espanyol climbs to 3rd with 4 points in this season of La Liga.
Substitutions for Real Sociedad
56’ 2nd Half – Luka Sucic was replaced by Orri Óskarsson, and Beñat Turrientes was substituted for Jon Gorrotxategi.
71’ 2nd Half – Sergio Gómez made way for Aihen Muñoz, and Pol Lozano was substituted by Fernando Calero.
79’ 2nd Half – Ander Barrenetxea was replaced by Gonçalo Guedes.
Yellow Cards for Real Sociedad
29’ 2nd Half – Jon Gorrotxategi (Fouling to prevent advancement)
34’ 2nd Half – Jon Martín (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
Substitutions for Espanyol
70’ 2nd Half – Pere Milla was substituted by Ramón Terrats, Roberto Fernández for Kike García, and Mikel Oyarzábal for Brais Méndez.
80’ 2nd Half – Edu Expósito was replaced by José Salinas.
85’ 2nd Half – Tyrhys Dolan was substituted for Antoniu Roca.
Yellow Cards for Espanyol
43’ 1st Half – Edu Expósito (Fouling to prevent advancement)
50’ 2nd Half – Fernando Calero (Unsportsmanlike conduct)