Sevilla FC emerged victorious in a tightly contested LaLiga match against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena, with a final score of 0-1. The sole goal, scored by Chidera Ejuke early in the second half, handed Sevilla three crucial points and extended their unbeaten run in the league, while Real Sociedad’s struggles in front of goal continued.
The first half saw both teams create opportunities but fail to convert, with Real Sociedad dominating possession yet unable to break through Sevilla’s resolute defense. Sevilla, under the guidance of manager García Pimienta, employed a disciplined 4-3-3 formation, focusing on positional play and active pressing to disrupt the hosts’ rhythm. Despite Real Sociedad’s pressure, Sevilla goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland stood firm, thwarting attempts from the likes of Orri Steinn Óskarsson and Sergio Gómez.
The deadlock was broken just two minutes into the second half. In the 47th minute, Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke capitalized on a swift counter-attack, weaving past defenders before slotting the ball past Real Sociedad’s substitute goalkeeper, Jon Ander Marrero. The goal shifted the momentum, with Sevilla growing in confidence while Real Sociedad struggled to find an equalizer.
Real Sociedad pushed forward in search of a response, but their lack of clinical finishing was evident. Sevilla’s defense, anchored by Loïc Badé and Kike Salas, held firm, while substitutes like Juanlu Sánchez and Albert Sambi Lokonga bolstered their midfield to maintain control in the closing stages. Despite late pressure from the home side, Sevilla saw out the game, with Nyland making a crucial save in stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet.
Real Sociedad entered the match in 10th place in LaLiga with 34 points, but their performance highlighted ongoing issues in the final third. With only 23 goals scored in 26 matches this season, their attack ranks among the league’s weakest. Manager Imanol Alguacil opted for a rotated lineup, resting key players like Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo following a midweek Europa League fixture against Manchester United. However, the decision to start Jon Ander Marrero in goal and rely on younger players like Beñat Turrientes and Pablo Marín did not yield the desired result.
Sevilla, sitting 12th with 33 points prior to the match, showcased their resilience and tactical discipline. Ejuke’s goal was a testament to their effectiveness on the counter, while Dodi Lukébakio and Isaac Romero posed constant threats. The victory marks Sevilla’s fourth consecutive match without defeat in LaLiga, a run that includes two wins and two draws, signaling a positive shift under Pimienta’s leadership.
Sevilla’s manager García Pimienta praised his team’s determination: “We knew it would be a tough match against a strong Real Sociedad side. The players executed the plan perfectly, and Ejuke’s goal was the reward for our hard work. This win gives us confidence moving forward.”
Real Sociedad’s Imanol Alguacil, meanwhile, expressed frustration at his team’s inability to convert chances: “We controlled the game for large periods, but we need to be more clinical. It’s a disappointing result, and we’ll need to analyze where we can improve.”
Sevilla’s victory adds to their competitive record against Real Sociedad. In 43 recent meetings between the two sides, Sevilla now hold 17 wins to Real Sociedad’s 15, with 11 draws. However, Real Sociedad had won four of their last five matches against Sevilla across all competitions, making this result a notable upset.
The win propels Sevilla to 36 points, potentially lifting them above Real Sociedad in the LaLiga standings depending on other results. For Real Sociedad, the loss compounds a difficult run of form, with no wins in their last three matches across all competitions. Both teams will now shift focus to their upcoming fixtures, with Real Sociedad facing a crucial Europa League return leg against Manchester United and Sevilla aiming to build on their momentum in domestic play.