Real Sociedad 2-1 Espanyol: Oyarzabal assists both goals as hosts claim first points

Real Sociedad defeated Espanyol 2-1 at Anoeta on Saturday, securing their first La Liga points of the season after leading at the interval, falling level before half-time and then scoring the decisive goal in the second half.

Fast start and a late first-half response

Real Sociedad needed only four minutes to move ahead. Ander Barrenetxea finished a move supplied by Mikel Oyarzabal, giving the hosts an early advantage. The match became more even as the half progressed, with Benat Turrientes and Espanyol’s Urko Gonzalez both booked before the visitors equalised.

Roberto Fernández Jaén restored parity in the 45th minute, converting after an assist from Francisco Javier Hernandez Coarasa. The goal made it 1-1 at the break and gave Espanyol a positive response after conceding so early. Urko Gonzalez was replaced by Gabriel Moscardo at half-time.

Óskarsson restores Real Sociedad’s lead

The decisive moment arrived in the 61st minute. Orri Steinn Óskarsson put Real Sociedad back in front, again benefiting from Oyarzabal, who registered his second assist of the match. Óskarsson was later replaced by Gonçalo Guedes, while Real Sociedad also introduced Yangel Herrera and Alex Marchal García in the second half.

Espanyol made further changes in an attempt to respond, sending on Marcos Fernández and Rafel Bauzà in the 70th minute, but could not find another equaliser. Their goalkeeper M. Dmitrović kept the score close with seven saves and was the highest-rated player in the match at 7.9. His performance limited the margin despite Real Sociedad’s repeated efforts on target.

Hosts create the clearer chances

The statistics show a narrow contest in possession, with Real Sociedad holding 51% to Espanyol’s 49%, and the passing totals were also close: 420 to 404. The difference came in chance quality and accuracy. Real Sociedad recorded 17 shots, including 13 from inside the box, and placed 10 on goal. Espanyol had 11 attempts, six inside the box, but only three on target.

That balance explains why the scoreline remained tight, while also showing that Real Sociedad were the more threatening side. They forced seven corners to Espanyol’s three and required Dmitrović to make seven saves, compared with two saves for the hosts’ goalkeeper.

Discipline and league impact

Espanyol collected four yellow cards, with Marcos Fernández, Roger Hinojo and Rafel Bauzà booked after the interval. Igor Zubeldia was cautioned for Real Sociedad in the 90th minute, and coach Pellegrino Matarazzo was shown a red card at the same stage. The match statistics list no red cards for either team, despite that recorded dismissal event.

Real Sociedad had started the round 20th with no points from two matches and two consecutive losses, so the victory ends that run and gives them their first league points. Espanyol, who arrived with one win and one loss and three points from two games, suffered a second defeat. Oyarzabal was the standout Real Sociedad performer, earning a 7.6 rating while providing both assists and recording two shots on target.