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Real Sociedad 1-0 Villarreal
Marcelino García Toral suffered his first defeat in Anoeta, as the Yellow Submarine was sunk by a single goal in the second half. Real Sociedad moved up to seventh place, two points behind Villarreal in fifth place.
La Real had perhaps the best chances in the first half, in a match in which two teams fought and a lot of effort, but few chances. Luka Sucic hit the post in his only clear opening, while Thierno Barry got behind Villarreal once, but was off balance and could only deflect his shot.
The Yellow Submarine might have edged the game on points if it weren’t for a magical goal from Takefusa Kubo less than ten minutes into the second half. After a set piece, Mikel Oyarzabal launched a bouncing ball behind the Villarreal defense, and Kubo beat Dani Parejo to reach it. He then turned inside Kiko Femenia’s cover and finished inside the post before Luiz Junior could smother him, having started in his own half.
𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗘𝗘𝗘𝗘
⚽ The first of the year at home!#RealSociedadVillarreal pic.twitter.com/uln90AEDiH
— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) January 13, 2025
Marcelino brought on Gerard Moreno and his impact was felt by Alex Remiro in the Real Sociedad goal, bending down to make multiple saves. Pape Gueye and Alex Baena were the most creative for Villarreal, but Orri Oskarsson had the best opportunity in the closing stages, breaking free on the counter, but unable to beat Junior with a weak shot.
However, in the end it was all smiles for Real, who opened their 2025 League account with a victory. Marcelino will be concerned about Villarreal’s form after just one win in their last seven La Liga games.
