Real Sociedad emerged victorious in a spirited La Liga matchup against Celta Vigo, winning 3-1 at the Reale Arena. Mikel Oyarzabal was instrumental, netting twice, while a late penalty from Brais Mendez sealed the win. Despite a red card setback for Duje Ćaleta-Car just before the break, Sociedad maintained their composure, leveraging their chances effectively.
A First Half of Twists and Turns
The match kicked off with Real Sociedad taking an early lead, courtesy of a well-timed strike by Mikel Oyarzabal in the 17th minute, assisted by Beñat Turrientes. The home side, however, saw their momentum tested as Duje Ćaleta-Car received a red card for tripping in the dying minutes of the first half. Celta Vigo’s Bryan Zaragoza also found himself booked, adding to the tension as the teams headed into halftime.
Celta's Response and Sociedad's Resilience
Celta Vigo came out aggressively after the break, with Borja Iglesias leveling the score in the 72nd minute. However, Sociedad quickly retaliated as Oyarzabal found the net again three minutes later, this time assisted by Jon Gorrotxategi. The game was put beyond doubt when Brais Mendez converted a penalty deep into stoppage time, ensuring the home side capitalized on their fewer opportunities.
A Tactical Battle Defined by Efficiency
Despite Celta's 64% possession and 17 total shots, they struggled to break down Sociedad's compact defense. The hosts, in contrast, displayed clinical finishing, scoring three from just four shots on target. Mikel Oyarzabal’s performance, with two key passes and nine duels won, underscored his influence in the match, showcasing why he remains crucial for Sociedad’s attacking prowess.
Looking Ahead
Real Sociedad’s recent form suggests a resurgence, with a strong victory over Barcelona preceding this win. This latest triumph against Celta Vigo places them in a favorable position as they eye a place higher up in the standings. Meanwhile, Celta, despite their possession dominance, must find a way to convert their control into concrete results as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
