Real Sociedad returns to beat Rayo, closing in on Champions League spot

The people from San Sebastian come back against Rayo and gain more ground in the fight for a top-four finish

Real Sociedad moved a big step closer to qualifying for the next Champions League. The blue-and-whites stepped onto the pitch knowing Betis had slipped up in Pamplona and returned the favor with a 2-1 victory over Rayo in a hard-fought, not especially pristine contest.

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La Real aimed to dictate play from the opening whistle. They had a goal ruled out after Oyarzabal tapped in a cross, but the referee, following a VAR review, overturned it due to an earlier foul by Silva on Fran García. Silva himself produced a strong chance shortly after, firing narrowly wide.

Real Sociedad controlled the early proceedings while their opponents seemed a step behind. The first half was tense but largely uneventful as the Basque side pressed forward and Rayo offered little more than a brief sketch of danger. The tempo remained cautious, and little changed in the opening 45 minutes.

In the second half, Rayo showed more intent and pushed higher up the field. Trejo collected a ball inside the box and forced Remiro into a save. It wasn’t until the 56th minute that danger truly arrived from an error at the back. Pacheco misplayed the ball, was dispossessed, and a quick finish beat Remiro for the visitors to take the lead, setting the stage for a dramatic spell.

Remarkably, the momentum shifted within moments. Just before the half-hour mark of the second period, Real Sociedad responded with a stunning equalizer. A powerful header from Sorloth found the net with his first attempt on target, restoring parity and energizing the home side.

Real Sociedad pressed on, aware that three points could bring European football within reach. Carlos Fernández emerged as the decisive figure late on, finishing decisively after a cross from the left by Aihen Muñoz and a smart move that broke through the Rayo defense. The 2-1 result sealed the comeback and sent the Gipuzkoan club closer to the Champions League threshold.

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Minute by minute Real Sociedad vs. La Liga clash

Post-match press conferences Real Sociedad vs. La Liga clash

When the game ends, reactions start pouring in from all sides.

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Final score: 2-1 for Real Sociedad. The three points stay at home.

Remiro required treatment during the proceedings.

Minute 90. Six minutes of stoppage time were added in San Sebastián.

Minute 81. Real Sociedad take the lead. Carlos Fernández nets after a left-flank cross from Aihen Muñoz. A substitute strike puts the hosts in front, 2-1. Real Sociedad regrouped and pushed for a final push.

Pacheco faced tough moments in his duel with RDT.

Minute 77. Pacheco recovered well to deny Raúl de Tomás a one-on-one opportunity with Remiro.

The Norwegian goalkeeper starred for Real Sociedad, keeping the side level before the late breakthrough.

Minute 58. Goooal! A superb header from Sorloth levels the score, a moment that shifted the dynamic of the match.

The setback for Pacheco spurred his teammates and Remiro responded with crucial saves to maintain balance.

Minute 56. A rushed mistake by Pacheco sets up Isi for a thunderous strike that finds the corner and bounces in front of Real Sociedad’s goal.

Minute 50. The first serious attempt from Rayo in the game ends with Trejo’s finish, forcing Remiro into action.

The second half was underway. The first 45 minutes had been tough for Real Sociedad to carve out clear chances.

Minute 21. Silva had a shot after a setup from Sorloth, but it narrowly missed the target.

Silva’s earlier foul also blocked Oyarzabal’s goal from counting toward the scoreboard.

Minute 13. A Real Sociedad goal by Oyarzabal is canceled after a VAR review reveals an earlier foul by Silva on Fran García.

The match kicked off in San Sebastián with Andoni Iraola’s XI going head-to-head.

Real Sociedad lined up with this starting eleven.

Summary of Real Sociedad vs. La Liga clash

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Source: Goal