Real Sociedad’s 3-2 win exposes Valencia’s finishing gap

Real Sociedad defeated Valencia 3-2 at Estadio de Mestalla on Sunday, earning the three points after a match that remained level in the number of total shots but tilted toward the visitors in the decisive moments. Valencia had more possession and completed more passes, yet Real Sociedad converted three of their clearest opportunities.

Sučić gives Real Sociedad the lead

Real Sociedad controlled the first-half scoreline when Luka Sučić finished in the 26th minute, with Job Ochieng providing the assist. The visitors took a 1-0 advantage into the interval despite Valencia having 54% possession overall. Valencia also made an early change, sending on David Otorbi Ejededawe for Filip Ugrinic at half-time.

Valencia responded in the 57th minute. Aaron Mayol equalised with Hugo Duro assisting, bringing the hosts back into the game. Mayol was one of Valencia’s most effective players, completing the full 90 minutes and adding three tackles to his goal and shot on target.

Penalty and own goal turn the match

The decisive period began in the 75th minute, when Carlos Soler restored Real Sociedad’s lead from the penalty spot. Soler later set up the third goal, underlining his influence on the result.

Valencia’s attempt to recover was damaged by an own goal from Luken Beitia Aguirregomezcorta in the 84th minute, which made it 3-1. The hosts did reduce the deficit again in the 90th minute, when substitute Ander Barrenetxea scored after receiving an assist from Soler. Barrenetxea had entered for Ochieng in the 61st minute and needed only 29 minutes to register a goal.

Valencia had the ball, but Sociedad had the edge in the box

The final statistics show an even contest in volume: both teams attempted 21 shots. Valencia completed 423 passes to Real Sociedad’s 370 and held 54% possession, while the visitors had the stronger inside-the-box figures, 15-11, and led shots on goal 6-5. Goalkeeper saves were also close, with Valencia making three and Real Sociedad four. Those figures explain how Valencia could control more of the ball without matching the visitors’ scoring efficiency.

Late dismissal and league impact

Real Sociedad’s Orri Steinn Óskarsson was booked and then shown a red card in the 90th minute, leaving the visitors to finish with 10 players. Luka Sučić had also been cautioned in the 54th minute, while Valencia’s Justin De Haas and José Gayà received first-half yellow cards.

Sučić was the standout performer, earning an 8.2 rating after scoring once, playing 87 minutes and producing three key passes. The victory gives Real Sociedad three points, while Valencia receive none. In the listed La Liga standings, Valencia are 19th on four points from six matches and Real Sociedad are 15th on seven points from six, with this result adding to the difference between them.