In a match packed with tempo and drama at the Reale Arena, Real Sociedad surged ahead early and controlled large portions of the game, only to be kept on edge by Getafe until the final whistle. The contest finished 4-3 in favor of the Basque side, a result that reflected a back-and-forth battle with chances at both ends and moments that looked like a turning point at every turn.
Right from kickoff, Real Sociedad pressed high and unsettled Getafe’s defense. A brisk sequence saw a sharp ball recovery near the halfway line, followed by a crafty pass that split the visitors’ back line. This set up a delightful through ball for Take Kubo, who finished with composure to give the home team the lead. The early goal set the tone for a game that would swing on a knife edge all night.
The spirit of the match was captured in a brief social moment and a highlight reel: Brais Méndez’s tenacious play, a clever assist threading through the defense, and Kubo’s precise strike that left the goalkeeper with little chance. The opening minutes showed Real Sociedad’s intent: press, move the ball quickly, and ask questions of Getafe’s shape.
The match began with Real Sociedad on the front foot, and Getafe faced early questions about their structure as they tried to push forward in stages. The pace slowed occasionally as possession settled, but Getafe continued to search for opportunities in dangerous areas, aiming to level the score before the break.
The first major stoppage came when a potential penalty shout from Benat Turrientes was waved away. VAR did not intervene, and the moment left the crowd debating the decision rather than the action on the field. As the minutes wore on, Real Sociedad remained on the attack while Getafe tried to disrupt the rhythm and carve out chances through rapid counterattacks.
The contest took a sharper turn in the 35th minute when a collision between Sadiq Umar and Stefan Mitrovic occurred while attempting to finish a cross from Kubo. Both players received attention but were able to continue after brief checks, leaving the field with a reminder that every challenge carried weight in this contest.
Diego Rico delivered a measured cross that carved open the defense, and Carles Aleñá struck to pull Getafe level just before the break. The equalizer shifted momentum and left Real Sociedad exposed to renewed pressure as the visitors aimed to edge ahead again before halftime. The half concluded with tension and a sense that the outcome would hinge on the next phase of play.
Into the second half, Real Sociedad regrouped. Coach Imanol Alguacil reshuffled his attacking options by bringing on fresh forwards, and the tactical tweak paid dividends as Brais Méndez finally found his footing again, beating an outstretched defensive line and converting a late opportunity. The captain’s strike put Real Sociedad back in front, and the home side sensed a window to press for more goals.
As the game swung on, Getafe pressed higher and created moments that tested the hosts. A clever ball from Soria sparked a quick counter, and Brais Méndez’s presence in the box helped Real Sociedad extend their advantage with another well-timed finish. The team’s confidence grew, and the stadium roared with every touch in attacking zones.
A late scare came when an injury forced a change as Igor Zubeldia left the field, replaced by Jon Pacheco. The interruption did little to slow Real Sociedad, who remained ambitious and poised to close out the match. In the closing minutes, both teams flirted with the idea of a late drama, but Real Sociedad held firm and added one more crucial moment to seal the victory with a striking header near the final minutes of normal time.
As the final whistle approached, chatter turned to the atmosphere inside the arena where supporters celebrated a hard-fought win. A late check near the goal line kept the scoreline honest, and the referee finalized a decision that kept Real Sociedad marching toward European contention for the 2023/24 season. The result reinforced the home form that has become a hallmark of the side this term.
Txakolin to football > Champagne football.
In the mix, a standout sequence showcased the team’s cohesion as players embraced the moment. A late burst from Oyarzabal highlighted the attacking intent that defined the night. The postgame chatter reflected a performance that will be remembered for its late goals and resilient defending when it mattered most.
Real Sociedad seized control and prevented further goals as the spectacle at the Reale Arena culminated in a memorable win. Oyarzabal’s name figured prominently in the narrative, and the team kept alive hopes of European qualification as the 2023/24 campaign moved forward. A moment of pause paid tribute to the Donostia Arraun Lagunak women’s team after their triumph in a major rowing event, underscoring the city’s sporting spirit.
Data sheet:
4 – Real Sociedad: Remiro; Traoré, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Aihen; Urko, Zubimendi, Turrientes, Brais; Kubo, Sadiq and Barrenetxea.
3 – Getafe: Soria; Damián, Alderete, Mitrovic, Rico; Carmona, Maksimovic, Djené, Aleñá; Mata and Mayoral.
Goals: 1-0, m.2: Kubo. 1-1, m.39: Aleñá. 1-2, m.45+4: Mayor. 2-2, m.61: Oyarzabal. 3-2 (P), m.66: Brais. 4-2, m.89: Oyarzabal. 4-3, m.90+2: Latasa.
Judge: Juan Luis Pulido Santana (Canary Committee). He cautioned Brais, Aihen and Remiro for Real Sociedad; and Rico and Suárez for Getafe.
Events: The match coincided with the sixth round of LaLiga EA Sports and drew 29,568 spectators at the Reale Arena. A moment of silence was observed to honor the Donostia Arraun Lagunak women’s rowing team after their leadership in La Concha 2023 Relay.