La Liga Sunday: Real Sociedad See Off Athletic Bilbao In Basque Derby, Sevilla Fall To New Defeat At Villarreal

Real Sociedad 2 – 0 Athletic Bilbao

Real Sociedad made their long-awaited jump back into La Liga for nights like this. After a number of seasons ploughing their way in La Segunda, they’ve wasted no time at all in establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the top flight. Tonight they outplayed Athletic Bilbao in all areas of the pitch, with Xabi Prieto putting in a fine shift in midfield, scoring Reals first from the spot after San Jose had handled in the box.

With Frenchman Antoinne Griezmann a constant threat on the left, Athletic Bilbao never got into the match, and were subject to wave after wave of attacks from Real Sociedad, Prieto more often than not the creative force behind each assault on Iraizozs goal. San Joses day got worse four minutes after half-time as he deflected Prietos dangerous cross into the back of his own net.

Fernando Llorente was kept quiet by the impressive centre-back pairing of Ion Ansotegi and Mikel Gonzalez, and while the big striker and Iker Muniain toiled to get Athletic back into the match, Real stood firm to take the Basque derby honours. The win saw Real climb into the lofty heights of the European positions, as their life back in the big time just gets better and better.

Villarreal 1 – 0 Sevilla

Sevilla were uttetly anonymous during the first 45 minutes, and while it wasn’t the nost electric of displays from the hosts, a lethal counter on the half-hour, converted expertly by Brazilian striker Nilmar, was enough to see Villarreal to victory. Had it not been for a dodgy offside decision against Alvaro Negredo in the dying moments of the match, Sevilla may well have found themselves on level terms, but it would have been harsh on Villarreal who did enough to deserve all three points.

Espanyol 1 – 0 Sporting Gijon

Espanyol made it an impressive seven wins from seven in Cornella El Prat with a 1-0 win over Sporting Gijon. The win sees ‘Los Pericos’ open up a four point gap on Valencia in fourth place as their push for a Champions League spot gains weight week on week. With a 4-2-3-1 formation, Mauricio Pochettino has found a system that suits his players down to the ground, with Osvaldo, Luis Garcia and Jose Maria Callejon all capable of creating something out of nothing.

At 0-0 just after the interval, it looked as if Espanyols envious home record could come under threat as midfielder Jose Baena recieved his marching orders. But with Espanyol in battlign mood, and Sporting Gijon offering little in attack, it was left to Luis Garcia to round Juan Pablo and tap into an empty net on 70 minutes. From then on it was a sturdy rearguard performance that saw Espanyol home, adding extra pressure on Sporting coach Manolo Preciado as his side slip down to into the relegation zone.

Malaga 4 – 1 Racing Santander

The appointment of Manuel Pellegrini is starting to take effect in La Rosaleda, as Malaga stuck four past Racing Santander to lift themselves out of the bottom three. Eliseu was the hero of the day, opening the scoring with a sensational strike before sending over two exquisite crosses that lead to a double for striker Jose Rondón. Recio got the other goal for Malaga, and while Rosenburg pulled one back for Racing at 2-0, their failure to open the scoring early on when they were presented with numerous opportunities, told an all too familiar story for Miguel Angel Portugals men.

Getafe 3 – 0 Mallorca

Getafe made it two La Liga wins on the bounce with a commanding 3-0 win over Mallorca in El Coliseum. Mallorca travel plans had been disrupted with the Air Traffic Control strike, and it showed as they produced a lethargic performance, with only the industrious Webo creating any threat. Pedro Rios opened the scoring with a superb strike from the corner of the penalty box, and the winger made it two soon after finishing well from Mikus delightful lay-off. Mallorca tired desparately to get back into the match, but Getafe made sure of the points when Parejo tapped in following a flowing team move on the edge of the Mallorca box. Michel has finally turned things around having been on the brink of the sack only two weeks ago.

Almeria 1 – 1 Real Zaragoza

The battle of the bottom two ended all square, with a point of little use to either after a tense yet entertaining 90 minutes of football. As the matches slip by, so do the points for Almeria and Real Zaragoza, and there was plenty of evidence on show at the Estadio Mediterraneo as to why both clubs find themselves at the foot of the table.

Goitom inexplicably missed an open goal early on for Almeria, while Real Zaragoza continue to cause problems for themselves at the back, contriving to turn harmless attacks into goalscoring opportunities for their rivals. Gabi put Real Zaragoza ahead from the spot after Lafita had been fouled, but their own weaknesses in attack meant they were unable to build on the lead, and they were made to pay when livewire Pablo Piatti headed in with only 13 minutes left to earn a deserved point for his side.