0-1: HARD-FOUGHT VICTORY AT THE REALE ARENA

We continue our impressive away form as an exciting final stretch of the season awaits. Against a Real Sociedad side with European duties but always strong at home, we secured another three points in a match where we gradually grew stronger. After an initial push from Imanol Alguacil’s side, the game became more balanced as it approached half-time, before tipping in our favour with the first action of the second half. A textbook counter-attack and a stunning goal from Chidera Ejuke gave us a lead which we didn't let go of. We now sit just one point off seventh place and remain firmly in the mix of teams aiming for European qualification, just ahead of our return home next Sunday to face Athletic Club.

It was from set-pieces that Imanol's side first threatened. First, a corner was headed wide by Zubeldia, who had too much space. Shortly after, a free-kick fell to Aguerd at the far post, forcing Ørjan Nyland into his first save of the match. The Basque side were growing into the game and Becker had a good chance. The Surinamese forward’s right-footed shot was also blocked by Nyland.

This marked a turning point for us, as we began to find more rhythm in the final stages of the first half. Adrià Pedrosa, in particular, had a good opportunity, advancing down the left before firing a shot that Marrero could only palm into the danger area. The rebound fell to Isaac Romero, but he couldn’t find the target. 

Ejuke's second goal for the club was the decider

And what better way to confirm that change in momentum than by scoring in the very first minute of the second half.  García Pimienta’s side won the ball in midfield through Isaac, who broke forward with pace and found Saúl Ñíguez. He laid the ball perfectly for Ejuke, and the Nigerian slotted it past Marrero in sublime fashion, finding the inside of the far post and leaving the goalkeeper had no chance. The lead was almost doubled on the hour mark, but Isaac's effort was tipped onto the post.

Imanol reacted by making four substitutions at once, but his team struggled to get back into the match, as we defended well and continued to threaten on the counter. Juanlu Sánchez and Sambi Lokonga came on, with Sambi almost finding the net from close range. By the end, the game had lost its attacking flow.

The only threat from Real Sociedad came via a Kubo free-kick, which Kike Salas deflected out for a corner. The equaliser never came, and we now extend our impressive run away from home, picking up eleven points from a possible fifteen in 2025. We are now just one point off seventh place ahead of next Sunday's home match against an Athletic Club side in Europa League action on Thursday.