Real Sociedad earned a spot in the Copa del Rey round of 16 by defeating Malaga in a hard fought third round battle at La Rosaleda. The visitors controlled large stretches of the game with their usual high pressing and careful buildup, yet the decisive moment arrived in the dying minutes when Malaga defender Einar Galilea diverted a cross into his own goal during a defensive clearance. The goal gave the Basque side a 0-1 victory and sealed progression despite moments when Malaga showed resilience and sharp counter opportunities.
Real Sociedad lined up a strong starting eleven featuring several internationals. Álvaro Odriozola, Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Brais Méndez and Mikel Oyarzabal all started, underscoring the visitors desire to balance experience with purpose. Malaga rotated options as well, though coach Sergio Pellicer persisted with a lineup that included players familiar with the Real Sociedad setup, such as Jokin Gabilondo on the right and Luca Sangalli in midfield.
The match opened with Malaga asserting themselves early, pressing high and trying to dictate tempo in the middle of the park. They threatened to overwhelm Real Sociedad in those opening minutes, forcing the visitors into a cautious start. The first real chance fell to Real Sociedad after a loose ball fell to Brais Méndez from a left flank cross, but Malaga keeper Carlos López parried the shot away for a corner.
As the game progressed, Real Sociedad began to impose their rhythm. They built through patient, vertical passing led by Merino, Méndez and Zubimendi, probing the Andalusian defense and seeking gaps in the lines. Malaga, for their part, surrendered some possession and offered less attacking intent as the first half wore on, choosing to protect a nervy scoreless arc rather than chase goals.
The turning point arrived when Oyarzabal delivered a decisive header off a cross that beat López after a quality sequence built from the left. The goal was a reminder of Oyarzabal’s poise in front of goal and his willingness to take chances when the moment calls for it. He followed up with another attempt after a well-placed cross came in from the left, testing the Malaga goalkeeper again and keeping the pressure on the home side.
Malaga responded with renewed fervor, attempting to regain balance and push for an equalizer. Real Sociedad endured some pressure, with left back Victor Garcia hitting the post in a rare foray forward and Roberto Fernandez trying to capitalize on the rebound. The first half finished with the score still level, though Real Sociedad looked the more capable side and showed more experience in the final third.
With the interval came strategic adjustments. Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil introduced Carlos Fernandez and Beñat Turrientes in place of injured or fatigued midfielders, aiming to freshen the attack and tighten the midfield shield. The changes paid off when a moment of misfortune for Malaga yielded the decisive strike. Following a Merino foul on the edge of the box, Galilea attempted a clearance that ended up steering the ball into his own net under pressure from Carlos Fernandez. The unfortunate moment gave Real Sociedad a lead they would not relinquish.
The game then evolved into a tense, competitive battle as Malaga pushed forward in search of an equalizer. They tracked back bravely and sent crosses into San Sebastian half while Real Sociedad attempted to manage the clock and exploit counter opportunities. A long-range effort from David Larrubia tested the Real Sociedad defense, but the ball drifted wide with the keeper beaten, and the chance did not equalize the score.
The home crowd remained vocal as Malaga pressed forward, yet Real Sociedad had enough discipline and organization to prevent another clear-cut opportunity. The San Sebastian side appeared settled and in control as the clock wound down, choosing to protect their narrow margin rather than chase more goals.
In the end, the match concluded with Real Sociedad securing a 0-1 victory and booking a place in the next round through Galilea’s own goal. It was a tightly contested affair with both teams showing determination and quality, but the late misfortune for Malaga defined the outcome.
Data sheet:
0 – Malaga: Carlos López; Jokin Gabilondo, Murillo, Einar Galilea, Moussa, Victor Garcia; Antoñito, Sangalli, Juanpe, Aarón Ochoa, Roberto.
1 – Real Sociedad: Marrero; Odriozola, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Aihen Muñoz; Zakharian, Brais Mendes, Zubimendi, Mikel Merino; Barrenechea, Oyarzabal.
Goal: 0-1, 49 min: Einar Galilea (og).
Referee: Gil Manzano. The match took place in front of approximately 23,000 spectators at La Rosaleda in Malaga.