Silva fuels golden Sociedad performance
The San Sebastián outfit sought to improve their form in a bid to remain in La Liga’s top four after registering just one win in their last ten outings in all competitions. Aiming to bounce back after exiting the UEFA Europa League in midweek, Imanol Alguacil’s men started brightly against the league’s bottom side and saw Takefusa Kubo twice fire over the bar within the space of a few minutes after being set up both times by Silva.
Despite being rooted to the foot of the table, Elche have put in some strong performances recently, having picked up a win and a draw in their previous two league outings. Keen to continue improving their points tally, Los Franjiverdes took the fight to the hosts as Gerard Gumbau forced Álex Remiro into a fine save following an ambitious long-range strike. Dominant Sociedad continued to turn the screw as the first half progressed, and they saw a VAR review rebuff a penalty claim on the stroke of HT after Kubo went down in the area.
Likely still irked by the VAR decision, Sociedad came out all guns blazing in the second half and took the lead in the 48th minute through Kubo, who finally got on the scoresheet after being threaded through on goal by Silva. The former Manchester City maestro later struck a dangerous free-kick over the bar, though he remained at the heart of the home side’s attacking play, creating various chances.
Elche offered very little in the second half, leaving Remiro largely untroubled as the hosts continued to be in command. The home side added a second goal to their tally late in the game through an Ander Barrenetxea strike from the edge of the area as Alguacil’s side secured a precious three points in their quest to once again secure European football next season. The much-needed win for Sociedad is their first on home soil since mid-January after four games without victory in all competitions at Estadio de Anoeta.
Flashscore Man of the Match: David Silva (Real Sociedad)