Soler's Dramatic 89th-Minute Strike Salvages Real Sociedad in Relegation Six-Pointer
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 67/100. When two teams battle in the relegation zone, every point becomes a lifeline—this draw could reshape both campaigns in the fight for survival.
Chaos, Red Cards, and Last-Gasp Redemption
The intensity was suffocating at Balaídos. Pablo Durán handed Celta Vigo a 20th-minute lead with Óscar Mingueza's assist, but the celebration curdled fast. At 45+1, Carl Starfelt saw red for an argument, leaving Celta with ten men in a match that demanded everything. Real Sociedad smelled blood.
The balance shifted violently when VAR cancelled Mikel Oyarzabal's 49th-minute goal, stripping hope from the visitors. But the stakes of this six-pointer—both teams hovering over the abyss—demanded an epic finale. Real Sociedad unleashed 17 shots to Celta's 4, controlling 59% possession. Then came the upset factor: substitute Carlos Soler struck in the 89th minute, assisted by Gonçalo Guedes, snatching an improbable draw. Pure theatre.
Marcos Alonso was Celta's defensive anchor with a 7.7 rating, keeping the ten-man side alive through relentless pressure. Real Sociedad's 11-corner siege couldn't break through until Soler's salvation. Both teams leave with a point that feels like victory in the survival scramble.
Key Questions
How did Starfelt's red card reshape the match?
Pivotal: leaving Celta with 10 men at 45+1 inverted the balance entirely. Real Sociedad fired 17 shots with numerical advantage, yet Celta held heroically.
How did VAR alter this crunch match?
Cancelled Oyarzabal's 49th-minute goal, robbing Real Sociedad a point. Without that intervention, it's 2-0 and a completely different narrative.
Did Celta deserve the draw?
Not on merit—on grit. Playing 10 men with 4 shots versus 17, defending was their victory. Real Sociedad dominated but lacked the killer touch.
Why is this match rated 67/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 67/100 places this match in the "Worth Watching" category.
