Real Sociedad edged Valencia 3-2 at Mestalla in a thrilling La Liga clash, sealed by a 91st-minute winner from Barrene after goals from Sucic and Soler.
Barrene Strikes Late to Hand Real Sociedad Thrilling Win at Mestalla
Real Sociedad secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Valencia CF at the Camp de Mestalla on Matchday 7 of La Liga, prevailing in an exhilarating, five-goal encounter. A seesaw affair packed with relentless attacking momentum appeared destined for a stalemate following an unfortunate late own goal, but Ander Barrenetxea struck in stoppage time to hand the Basque side all three points on enemy territory.
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Sucic Stunner Puts Real Sociedad in Early Control
The clash kicked off at a fierce tempo, with Valencia attempting to impose an aggressive high press in front of a vociferous home crowd. However, Real Sociedad handled the early pressure with tactical calm, dominating possession in the middle third through patient, incisive passing sequences.
The visitors broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. Latching onto a cleared corner just outside the penalty box, Petar Sucic unleashed a venomous first-time drive that rocketed into the corner, leaving the Valencia goalkeeper with no chance. Valencia pushed to respond before the break, but Sociedad’s compact defensive unit held firm to preserve the 1-0 advantage at the interval.
Mayol Sparks Fightback Before Soler Penalty Restores Lead
Valencia emerged from the dressing rooms with renewed intent, pushing their full-backs higher up the pitch. The persistent pressure paid dividends in the 57th minute when Mayol pounced on a loose ball inside the six-yard box, poking home a clinical finish to level the scoreline at 1-1.
The contest opened up dramatically, and Sociedad regained the upper hand in the 75th minute. A foul inside the box prompted the referee to point to the penalty spot. Carlos Soler stepped up with supreme composure, converting cleanly to make it 2-1 against his former club.
Late Chaos Precedes Barrene’s Stoppage-Time Decider
The drama escalated in the closing stages. In the 84th minute, Valencia found an unexpected equalizer when an unfortunate deflection off Beitia resulted in an own goal, tying the match at 2-2.
Refusing to settle for a point, Real Sociedad launched one final attacking surge deep into stoppage time. In the 91st minute, Barrene picked up a loose ball on the flank, cut inside with blistering pace, and fired a decisive low strike into the net to seal a breathtaking 3-2 victory.