Real Sociedad exhibited a commanding performance at home, securing a decisive 3-0 victory against CD Leganés during the 25th round of LaLiga EA Sports, held at the Reale Arena. The home team's display was marked by efficiency and skill, with goals coming at strategic moments throughout the match.
The scoring began early when Arsen Zakharyan, the talented Russian midfielder, found the back of the net just 12 minutes after kick-off. His right-footed shot from distance demonstrated both precision and power, leaving Marko Dmitrovic, the Leganés goalkeeper, with little chance to react. Zakharyan's goal not only set the tone for the match but also showcased Real Sociedad's intent to dominate.
Real Sociedad continued to apply pressure on the Leganés defense throughout the first half, maintaining possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Mikel Oyarzabal was particularly active, almost doubling the score with multiple close attempts, though his efforts went wide.
With just moments gone after the second half began, Takefusa Kubo, the Japanese winger, added the second goal for Real Sociedad. Just three minutes post-restart, Kubo executed a well-placed left-footed shot from inside the box, directed to the top left corner, following precise assistance from Jon Aramburu. This early goal shifted the momentum even more heavily in favor of the home side.
Further establishing their dominance, Jon Ander Olasagasti sealed the victory with another goal late in the game, scoring from close range at the 80th minute after receiving a well-timed header pass from Jon Martín off of a corner kick. The 3-0 scoreline reflected Real Sociedad's superiority on the pitch, as they kept Leganés at bay with their solid defensive setup.
On the other side of the pitch, the atmosphere was markedly different for the Leganés players, particularly Coach Borja Jiménez, who faced tough questions following the season's setback. Post-match, he acknowledged, "La Real Sociedad fue superior," indicating his recognition of the gap between the two teams' performances.
Jiménez highlighted the need for his side to "hacer autocrítica" (make self-criticism) after the loss, stressing the importance of improving their defensive organization. He remarked, "Hemos de hacer las cosas muchísimo mejor, ya no para ganar, sino para puntuar" (We must do things much, muchbetter, no longer just to win, but to earn points), signaling to the team and fans alike about the urgency of addressing the vulnerabilities noted during the match.
Despite the defeat, Jiménez remains optimistic about the potential for his squad, citing past successes where they have proven capable of winning against any opponent in the league. He stated, "Hemos demostrado ser capaces de ganar a cualquier rival en esta categoría, y tenemos que volver a ese nivel" (We have shown we can win against any rival at this level, and we have to return to this level). This determination could serve as motivation as they prepare for their future encounters.
The victory not only boosts Real Sociedad's standing but also sets the stage for their next fixtures, as they look to capitalize on their momentum. For Leganés, the focus shifts to regrouping and tightening their defensive tactics—key areas of improvement if they wish to climb the rankings and avoid the relegation battle looming on the horizon.
Looking forward, fans of both teams remain eager to see how the season will progress. Real Sociedad's attacking flair and strategic gameplay excite their supporters, promising more thrilling matches to come. Meanwhile, CD Leganés will be working hard to translate lessons learned from this match to future performances, aiming for resilience and results on the scoreboard.