Real Sociedad Earns a Thrilling 2-1 Victory Over Espanyol at Reale Arena
Real Sociedad tightened their grip on the match with controlled football and goals from Alexander Sørloth and Brais Méndez, earning a 2-1 win over Espanyol that marked their first home league victory of the season. The Basque side had previously faced disappointment, including a setback at Getafe, making this result even more meaningful as they reclaimed momentum on home soil.
The Catalan club arrived with notable attacking intent, pairing Joselu and Braithwaite who together carried a near-200-goal professional tally. They faced a youthful Real Sociedad defense that absorbed the early pressure and allowed the home side to dictate the tempo, shaping a dominant opening period for the Basque team.
@RealSociedad celebrated a rehearsal of attacking intent on social media, echoing the early intensity that defined the encounter. The post captured the spirit of the game with a nod to the clash between Real Sociedad and Espanyol as LaLiga Santander action unfolded on 18 September 2022.
In the starting lineup, Take Kubo returned to the XI after two appearances from the bench, becoming the focal point of Real Sociedad’s early threat. He signaled the danger from the outset and played a pivotal role in the opening goal. A miscue at the back by Calero allowed Álvaro Fernández to press, but a loose ball fell kindly for Sørloth in the box, and the Norwegian frontman simply steered it home to put the home side ahead.
The atmosphere at the Reale Arena was electric as Sørloth’s goal lit up the stands. Espanyol clawed back through a strike from Edu Exposito, a shot from outside the area that left goalkeeper Alex Remiro unable to reach it. The equalizer changed the mood briefly, but Real Sociedad replied with composure and went into the break ahead thanks to a swift build-up and a clinical finish from Brais Méndez, who capped a promising sequence with a neat finish from close range.
After the restart, Real Sociedad continued to press with energy. Kubo and Merino repeatedly pierced Espanyol’s defensive lines, keeping the visitors pegged back and maintaining the hosts’ pressure. The second half saw Espanyol struggle to sustain forward momentum, with Real Sociedad controlling the pace and creating chances that kept the match within reach for the home side.
The decisive moment arrived when Aritz Elustondo delivered the final touch from a corner, repeatedly delivering danger into the Espanyol penalty area. Although Espanyol mounted several late efforts, the Real Sociedad defense held firm, and Remiro secured the result with key stops in the closing stages. The final whistle confirmed a rewarding win for the hosts, who had shown resilience and tactical discipline to see out the contest.
Data sheet:
2 – Real Sociedad: Gorosabel, Aritz, Pacheco, Aihen, Zubimendi, Brais (Zubeldia, min. 88), Merino, Silva (Cho, min. 81), Sørloth and Kubo (Turrientes, min. 79).
1 – Espanyol: Álvaro Fernández; Omar (Puado, min. 53), Sergi Gómez, Cabrera, Oliván; Calero (Dani Gòmez, min. 74), Darder, Edu Expósito (Aleix Vidal, min. 74), Vini (Lozano, min. 85); Braithwaite and Joselu.
Goals: 0-1, min. 16: Sørloth. 1-1, min. 18: Edu Expósito. 2-1, min. 28: Méndez.
Referee: From Cerro Grande (Madrid). Méndez warned Aritz and Sørloth during the match.
Attendance: 31,511 at the Reale Arena. Players from both sides wore Orio t-shirts in support of the La Concha Flag women’s competition.