Enes Unal struck from a free kick to open the scoring, with the effort coming alongside the support of Carlos Aleñá, helping Getafe secure their first win of the season against Real Sociedad. The result marks a relief for the Madrid club as they shake off the awkward start that haunted them in the previous campaign, a season that began with unsettling signs at the Coliseum.
The win carries more significance, lifting a weight from Getafe’s shoulders and restoring a sense of belief after a difficult spell. Their recent setback, capped by a heavy defeat to Valencia, left the team visibly uncertain on the pitch, prompting an apology from the manager, Quique Sánchez Flores, to the fans for the disappointing display captured on screen.
The evening began with a tense moment in the stands as medical staff attended to a fan suffering from heatstroke, a reminder that football matches often unfold with unpredictable interruptions both on and off the field.
In social media recaps and highlights, clips circulated showing Enes Ünal celebrating, while the squad’s supporters echoed the sentiment with chants and posts under the club’s banner. The club’s official roundups and fan reactions underscored the renewed energy that came with victory against a quality opponent.
Once Getafe regrouped, they attempted to impose themselves with a refreshed tactical approach. Noteworthy was the inclusion of young Ángel Algobia in a system that pushed the defense forward more aggressively after a recent reshuffle that featured four at the back on occasion and a first game for Damián Suárez on the right wing following an injury layoff. He paired in midfield with Nemanja Maksimovic, forming a compact, energetic middle that helped drive their attack.
The first real moment of danger arrived in the 13th minute when Borja Mayoral found himself cleared through, and a VAR review confirmed a penalty after a foul. Mayoral stepped up, fired to the left, but Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro guessed correctly and blocked the shot.
This sequence seemed to energize Getafe while allowing Real Sociedad to regain confidence. The visitors produced their best chances through Mikel Merino and Alexander Sola, who threatened from wide positions near David Soria’s goal, but could not convert before the break.
⚽ A perfect pass from Aleñá… Getafe pressuring again with intent and precision as the ball moves through the midfield and into dangerous spaces for the visitors. The exchange showcased the team’s growing chemistry and willingness to attack with speed.
The first-half setback deepened with an injury to Nigerian forward Sadiq, who suffered a knee issue and could not continue after a short spell on the field. Mohamed Ali-Cho later replaced him as Real Sociedad sought to preserve balance and add fresh legs to the frontline.
As the clock ticked toward stoppage, Enes Ünal delivered a stunning free kick from Remiro’s reach in the dying moments of regular time or extra time, depending on the match’s official timeline, illustrating his knack for decisive moments.
With the second half underway, Getafe extended their lead. Ünal created the opening with a clever pass from the left, and Aleñá struck from the edge of the box, catching Remiro off guard and doubling the advantage.
But the celebration was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Choo delivered a precise cross from the left that Brais Méndez headed home to narrow the gap, reigniting Real Sociedad’s challenge and forcing Getafe to endure late pressure.
The match’s momentum swung back and forth as Getafe sought to seal the result. David Soria kept his team ahead through a series of crucial saves, including stopping an important shot from Merino and then fending off a follow-up that hit the crossbar, a moment that could have altered the complexion of the contest.
With time running out, Getafe still had chances to close it out. In the 73rd minute, Ünal received a long pass from Jaime Seoane, evaded Pacheco, and rolled the ball past the keeper, forcing a late scramble for the finishing touch that kept the scoreline intact.
Data sheet:
2 – Getafe: David Soria; Damián, Gastón, Duarte, Mitrovic, Angileri; Maksimovic, Algobia, Aleñá; Enes Ünal and Borja Mayoral (Münir, substitutions after 70 minutes).
1 – Real Sociedad: Remiro; Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Zubimendi, Pacheco, Ahien; Turrientes, Merino, Take Kubo (Brais Méndez, substitutions after 46 minutes); Sorloth (Choo, substitutions after 38 minutes) and Sadiq (Ali-Cho, substitutions after 34 minutes).
Goals: 1-0, Enes Ünal (45 minutes); 2-0, Aleñá (48 minutes); 2-1, Brais Méndez (50 minutes).
The referee was Juan Luis Pulido Santana from Las Palmas. Cautions: Aleñá, Iglesias, Damián and Duarte for Getafe; Gorosabel for Real Sociedad. The match, played on the fifth matchday of La Liga Santander, drew an attendance of 11,112 at the Alfonso Pérez Coliseum in Getafe, Madrid.