Oyarzabal Seals Crunch Victory: Real Sociedad Stuns Sevilla in La Liga Thriller
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 52/100. A match of relentless intensity where three lead changes and a clinical brace transformed this relegation-battle clash into a masterclass in clinical finishing under pressure.
The Brace That Broke Sevilla
Mikel Oyarzabal authored a performance for the ages, turning Real Sociedad's defensive setup into a lethal counterattacking weapon. A 19th-minute penalty and a 36th-minute field goal—separated by just seventeen minutes—established an upset factor that Sevilla couldn't overcome despite controlling 60% possession. Oyarzabal's 9.2 rating underscores a performance where clinical execution triumphed over territorial dominance.
Gudelj's Response Falls Short
Nemanja Gudelj restored hope in the 30th minute, tapping home G. Suazo's assist to narrow the balance. Yet the reprieve was fleeting. Real Sociedad's defensive discipline—despite being outshot 6-5 and out-cornered 9-1—proved decisive. Sevilla's profligacy in front of goal (only 1 of 6 shots on target) exposed the gap between possession and precision.
Stakes and Context
For Real Sociedad (17th place, 9 points), this victory is oxygen in their relegation battle. Their recent form of WDLLW demanded exactly this kind of statement win. Sevilla's irregular campaign (11th, 13 points) leaves them adrift in midtable mediocrity. The statistical gulf tells the story: Real Sociedad's 3 shots on target converted at a 66% rate; Sevilla's 1 conversion from 6 attempts reveals the importance of efficiency when margins are razor-thin.
Key Questions
What made Mikel Oyarzabal the Man of the Match?
His brace (penalty + field goal in minutes 19 and 36) under pressure, combined with a 9.2 rating, proved decisive in securing three crucial points.
Why couldn't Sevilla convert their possession dominance?
Despite 60% possession and 9 corners, Sevilla managed only 1 on-target shot from 6 attempts. Real Sociedad's counterattacking sealed the deal.
What does this result mean for Real Sociedad's season?
A lifeline in their survival bid. With 12 points now, Real Sociedad gains breathing room in the relegation battle.
Why is this match rated 52/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 52/100 places this match in the "Worth Watching" category.
