Barrenetxea and Oskarsson salvage Real Sociedad's night in four-goal thriller
Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 73/100. When a match swings through two lead changes and four different goalscorers, the real story isn't the final scoreline—it's which team proved they could absorb punishment and fire back.
Early Milla strike puts Espanyol in command
Espanyol struck with clinical efficiency. Pere Milla buried the opening chance in the 10th minute after Roberto Fernández's assist, and when Javi Puado converted a penalty at the stroke of halftime, the visitors seemed destined for a comfortable away victory. A 0-2 scoreline promised control. Real Sociedad had other ideas.
Intensity redefined: Eight-minute resurrection
Ander Barrenetxea's 61st-minute strike cut the deficit, but the real intensity erupted when substitute Ó. Oskarsson headed home Mikel Oyarzabal's cross in the 69th. From 0-2 down to 2-2 in eight minutes—a comeback that demanded every ounce of balance and belief. The lead changed hands twice, and Espanyol's early advantage evaporated into thin air.
Dmitrović stands firm despite the onslaught
Real Sociedad's 62% possession translated into 15 shots, but Marko Dmitrović proved unshakeable between the sticks, recording five crucial saves. The Serbian goalkeeper was the dam holding back a flood—without him, this match becomes a rout. Espanyol's defensive discipline crumbled in the second half, surrendering the upset factor they'd built so carefully.
Key Questions
How did Real Sociedad complete the comeback from behind?
Barrenetxea's 61st-minute finish broke the seal, then substitute Oskarsson headed Oyarzabal's cross home in the 69th. Two goals in eight minutes flipped the script entirely.
How did substitute Oskarsson change the game?
Brought on in the 56th minute, Oskarsson scored the leveler just 13 minutes later with a well-timed header. Fresh legs proved decisive in the final third.
Why is this match rated 73/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 73/100 places this match in the "Highly Entertaining" category.