Real Sociedad demonstrated their determination and skill as they secured a decisive 2-0 victory over Ponferradina in the third round of the Copa del Rey on January 5. Facing off against the third-tier team, Real Sociedad approached the match with caution after ending 2024 without wins from their last two fixtures. Head coach Imanol Alguacil opted to bench key players, including Takefusa Kubo, the team's star midfielder, alongside starting goalkeeper Alejandro Remiro and defender Alex Sola.
The match was characterized by the contrasting playing styles of both teams: Real Sociedad aimed to control possession, exploiting their offensive strength, whereas Ponferradina countered with organized defenses and swift counter-attacks. Despite dominating the ball, Sociedad found themselves struggling against the compact home defense of Ponferradina, which initially stifled their scoring opportunities.
Huard Labor and Mikel Oyarzabal made early attempts at goal, but they couldn't break through the well-structured defense. The home team challenged Sociedad with quick counters and set-piece opportunities, making the first half feel tense for the visitors. With no breakthrough evident, the teams headed to halftime with the score still locked at 0-0.
Recognizing the need for fresh energy, Alguacil introduced Kubo and another key player, Igor Zubeldia, at the start of the second half. The introduction of Kubo proved fruitful as it revitalized the attack. Just nine minutes after the break, Oyarzabal made his mark as he collected loose ball possession and laid it off to Sergio Gomez. Oyarzabal deftly maneuvered before converting the ball past the blockade of defenders with his left foot, scoring the opening goal.
This pivotal moment saw Real Sociedad seize control of the match. The momentum continued to swing their way; Kubo, playing on the right wing, created opportunities with his pace and dribbling ability. Around the 62nd minute, Kubo assisted teammate Brais Mendez, whose powerful shot was parried away by the opposing keeper, reflecting the growing intensity of Sociedad's offensive efforts.
Then, the decisive second goal came shortly after. A high press enabled Oyarzabal to win the ball back, leading to another beautiful team play as he found Mendez, who expertly tucked the ball to the bottom right corner of the goal, effectively sealing the match for Sociedad.
With their two-goal lead, Real Sociedad shifted to manage the game and conserve their lead. Kubo and his teammates focused more on controlling the ball, preventing Ponferradina from mounting any serious challenges, even as the home team resorted to aggressive tactics. Although Kubo hoped to capitalize on his chances, he missed a late opportunity during additional time when he failed to connect with the ball after receiving it from another counter, which slipped wide.
Nonetheless, Real Sociedad held firm against the late surge from Ponferradina, and secured their first win of the new year, propelling them to the next round of the Copa del Rey. The win not only enhances their chances but also signifies their resilience to bounce back from tough times.
Real Sociedad's triumph over Ponferradina, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Mendez, sets the stage for their next challenge as they look to build on this victory and regain momentum.