Real Sociedad secured a much-needed victory against CD Leganés, winning 1-0 at the Reale Arena on February 23, 2025. The match, part of the La Liga EA Sports calendar, was significant for both teams as they pursue their respective objectives: European competition for the home side and safety from relegation for the visitors.
From the kickoff, it was clear both teams were determined to claim the three points. Real Sociedad, boasting strong home form, controlled the match early, with their possession statistics demonstrating dominance. By the 25th minute, Sociedad had 67% possession compared to Leganés' 33%.
The opening goal for Real Sociedad came from young star Arsen Zakharyan, who struck the ball from outside the penalty area at the 11th minute, sending it past goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic. This moment was not just significant for the match, but also marked Zakharyan's growing influence within the squad. Coach Imanol Alguacil had reintroduced him to the starting lineup after serving a suspension, and he was eager to make his mark.
Leganés, managed by Borja Jiménez, struggled initially but attempted to find their footing. Despite creating some attacking opportunities, they could not penetrate Sociedad’s strong defensive setup. Key players like Renato Tapia and Dani Raba tried to orchestrate attacks, but numerous offside calls halted their progress.
The first half saw Real Sociedad continuing their assault on Leganés' goal. Dmitrovic made several key saves, denying Zakharyan again with a spectacular stop shortly after the opening goal. The resultant pressure highlighted the home team's offensive strategy, which aimed to exploit any defensive lapses from Leganés.
Individual performances stood out throughout the match. Zakharyan, who scored the only goal, showcased skill with the ball, making several attempts from distance. His connection with Pablo Marín was particularly impressive, with Marín often providing service from midfield.
Leganés, facing the prospect of slipping closer to the relegation zone, displayed resilience but had limited success. They had only managed 21 successful passes compared to Real Sociedad's 91 by the 15-minute mark. While they began to stretch their game, Real Sociedad pressed effectively, reclaiming possession whenever Leganés attempted to gain ground.
The second half saw Leganés make tactical adjustments to increase their attacking potential, shifting players like Juan Cruz and Seydouba Cissé to push forward. They aimed for more direct balls to Diego García and attempted to exploit fast breaks. The Leganés coach acknowledged the growing pressure but emphasized his players' commitment to defensive solidity as they navigated difficult circumstances.
Imanol Alguacil’s squad, meanwhile, was focused on maintaining their early lead and pressing for more goals. Justin Rosier was particularly promising defensively, often stepping up to thwart Leganés' advances. The atmosphere was electric, as fans at the Reale Arena sensed the importance of adding more points to their season tally.
Despite the late push from Leganés, including multiple offside calls hampering their return attempts, the match concluded with Real Sociedad holding onto their lead. Their strategic performance and cohesive play throughout the fixture revealed their intentions of climbing back up the league table to fight for European spots.
According to reports, this victory not only lifted Real Sociedad to 32 points, just behind the competitive pack chasing European qualification, but also extended their unbeaten streak when facing Leganés at home. The last four encounters have seen Sociedad lose and win without major gaps, reflecting their consistent edge over their rivals.
Post-match, Imanol Alguacil remarked, "The players are focused; they won't be distracted thinking about the upcoming matches against top teams like Real Madrid and Manchester United. Every game is significant, and all I want is to win the next one, ensuring we remain competitive for our European ambitions."
On the other side, Leganés will have to regroup quickly. With only 24 points, they sit precariously at 16th place, just above the relegation spots. Acknowledging his team's recent form, Coach Borja Jiménez stated, "Our players feel more comfortable at home than when they travel. We must continue to adapt to these challenging situations and aim to secure positive results moving forward."
This match served as yet another reminder of the unpredictability of La Liga, with teams like Real Sociedad eager to reclaim their foothold and Leganés striving to maintain their standings as they navigate through the second half of the season.