Real Sociedad has thrust itself back firmly in the race for European football with a commanding 3-0 victory over Leganés at the Reale Arena on February 23, 2025. It was a match marked by impressive performances, particularly from Arsen Zakharyan, who made his return to the starting lineup after several months away due to injury.
The home side started brightly, and it didn’t take long for Zakharyan to make his mark. Just 12 minutes in, he received the ball at the edge of the area, and with precision, he struck it beautifully with his right foot, curling it past Leganés goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic to open the scoring. This was no fluke; it was Zakharyan's first goal of the season and showcased his undeniable talent. Reported by EFE, "Zakharyan opened the scoring for Real Sociedad with an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area."
Following this early goal, the game settled somewhat. Leganés, known for their disciplined structure, began to probe for answers but often found themselves thwarted by solid defending from their hosts. The visitors made several attempts to break through, including a notable effort from Dani Raba which was expertly saved by Alex Remiro, ensuring Real Sociedad’s lead remained intact.
Leganés showed some attacking intent after the hour mark but struggled to convert opportunities to goals, reflecting on their disappointing overall performance. They were less effective than they had been earlier this season when they managed to secure points against much stronger opponents.
Back on the pitch, Real Sociedad found another gear at the start of the second half. Just three minutes after the break, Take Kubo doubled the lead. He skillfully maneuvered past defenses and fired off a shot, which, thanks to deflections from defenders, wrong-footed Dmitrovic and found its way to the back of the net. Reflecting on Kubo’s performance, vipdeportivo.es noted, "Take Kubo was electric, showcasing his creativity and skill to add the second goal."
With their confidence soaring, Real continued to press. While Zakharyan had already made his significant impact, his fellow players were also stepping up. The third and final goal came late in the match when Jon Ander Olasagasti seized his moment. He connected with the ball from outside the area, unleashing another cracking shot which left Dmitrovic with little chance of saving it. EFE reported, "Jon Ander Olasagasti closed the scoring with a powerful volley from distance."
This convincing victory puts Real Sociedad right back on track for European qualification, just one point off the expected positions with 34 points to their name. The importance of winning against Leganés could not be overstated as the team approaches tougher fixtures, including challenging encounters against Real Madrid and Barcelona. The match closed with Olasagasti reflecting on his contributions as he noted the importance of maintaining momentum for their upcoming matches.
For Leganés, this result is disheartening as they find themselves just above the relegation zone, now facing the prospect of significant pressure to secure points. It has been a difficult season, and following the match, players will need to regroup and mentally prepare for their fixture against Getafe.
Overall, the encounter displayed the tenacity and talent of the Real Sociedad squad, especially after their struggles this season, and suggested brightly of what is to come. With Zakharyan’s return to form, along with the support of players like Kubo and Olasagasti, they are surely contenders for European football as the season progresses.