In a gripping Copa del Rey match, Real Sociedad emerged victorious against Eldense with a final score of 2-1. The match featured a surprising challenge from Eldense, a team from the Primera RFEF, showcasing their resilience against a La Liga opponent. Ion Ansotegi, the interim coach for Real Sociedad, led the team following the departure of Sergio Francisco.
Match Overview
The match began with Real Sociedad dominating possession, yet they struggled to create significant scoring opportunities in the first half. Despite having control, it wasn’t until the 30-minute mark that they made their first serious attempt. An impressive brace of chances from Gonçalo Guedes highlighted their effort, but they faced strong resistance from Eldense’s goalkeeper, Pablo Valencia.
Eldense’s Defense and Counterattacks
Eldense maintained a solid defensive structure throughout the first half. They managed only a single shot on target, illustrating the difficulty in breaking down Real Sociedad’s buildup. Their strategy involved compact defense and seeking openings during counterattacks, having previously eliminated Jaén and Almería in earlier rounds.
Shifting Momentum in the Second Half
The second half saw a shift in Eldense’s approach, as they became more aggressive in search of goals. Claudio Barragán, their coach, opted for strategic substitutions to maintain intensity while avoiding further yellow cards among his players. Real Sociedad’s decline in performance led to a noticeable urgency in their game plan.
- First Goal: The breakthrough for Real Sociedad came in the 79th minute when Luka Sucic capitalized on an error in Eldense’s defense, scoring to make it 1-0.
- Equalizer: Just two minutes later, Eldense equalized with a stunning strike from captain Nacho Quintana, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 82nd minute.
Decisive Moments in Injury Time
As the match neared its conclusion, the pressure intensified for Real Sociedad. With time dwindling, a moment of brilliance from Guedes turned the tide. In the dying seconds of the match, he assisted Pablo Marín, who scored the decisive goal in the 95th minute, securing a 2-1 victory for Real Sociedad.
This victory advances Real Sociedad to the next round of the Copa del Rey, amidst a season that has proven challenging for them. The match highlighted the unpredictability of cup competitions, with a determined Eldense team providing tough opposition.
