Moleiro Breaks Real Sociedad's Heart in a Five-Goal Epic

Must Watch Futmetrix Score: 100/100. A crunch match where Villarreal proved their title credentials against a Real Sociedad side that refused to surrender in a night of relentless Intensity.

Five Goals, One Verdict: Villarreal's Killer Instinct

From the opening whistle, the Stakes were unmistakable. Villarreal arrived at Anoeta third in the table with 32 points and five consecutive wins. Real Sociedad, tenth and desperate for momentum, needed this. What unfolded was a masterclass in attacking football where the Balance shifted every ten minutes.

Pedraza set the tone with a surgical assist for Ayoze Pérez in the 31st minute—a clinical finish that seemed to signal Villarreal's dominance. But Real Sociedad wasn't cowed. By the 57th, Alberto Moleiro doubled the lead with a lethal strike from Pérez's pass. Game over, surely. Then Carlos Soler arrived in the 60th, tapping in a Takefusa Kubo cross to reignite the home crowd's hopes.

The drama reached fever pitch in the final minutes. Barrenetxea, introduced as a substitute in the 56th minute, equalized in the 87th with a goal that felt like a lifeline. Then came the gut-punch: Moleiro, 90 seconds later, struck again to seal a victory that will haunt Anoeta for weeks. Three lead changes. One unforgettable night.

Moleiro's Masterclass: The Upset Factor Nobody Saw Coming

With a 9.0 rating, Moleiro (2 goals, 2 key passes) was the difference-maker. His brace wasn't luck—it was a statement of intent from a winger operating at elite level. Ayoze Pérez (8.2) added a goal and assist, while Santi Comesaña's 7.5 performance orchestrated the midfield with quiet authority.

Real Sociedad dominated possession (60%) and fired 18 shots, yet Villarreal's efficiency was ruthless: just 10 attempts, but five on target. The statistics told the story of a team that knew how to finish. Across 28 combined shots and 10 corners, this wasn't just a win for Villarreal—it was a statement that they belong in the title race.