The Submarine host Real Sociedad in the first of their final 10 LALIGA EA Sports fixtures (Friday, 9pm)
Villarreal CF host Real Sociedad this Friday at 9pm at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The yellows approach the match against the side from Donostia, corresponding to matchday 29 of LALIGA EA Sports, with their ‘final stretch’ mode fully activated as they enter the decisive phase of the season. Only 10 matches and 30 points remain.
Marcelino’s side arrive at the fixture after earning a valuable point at Mendizorroza (1-1), always a difficult venue for the Groguets. A stunning late goal from Nicolas Pepe secured the draw for Villarreal.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, claimed an important home win in their last league match. The txuri-urdin defeated Osasuna 3-1 at the Reale Arena, confirming the excellent form they have shown in the second half of the season, advancing strongly and knocking on Europe’s door. As if that were not enough, they will also play the Copa del Rey final on 18 April at the Estadio de La Cartuja.
In addition to being a clash with a European flavour, taking all three points will be crucial for both teams, who need to keep collecting results to stay firm in pursuit of their respective objectives. The Basques aim to reach the European spots, now very close, while Villarreal look to maintain the battle for third place with one of the giants of Spanish football, Atlético de Madrid.
A thrilling match at the Reale Arena
In the first-round meeting between the blue-and-whites and the yellows, Villarreal claimed all three points in the final minute thanks to a goal from Moleiro in the 95th minute. That day, Marcelino’s side went 0–2 up at the Real Sociedad ground with goals from Ayoze and Moleiro, but ended up suffering to secure the win after a strong reaction from the hosts, who managed to level the match three minutes from time through Soler and Barrenetxea. In the end, the young midfielder from Tenerife sealed his brace and sent all three points back to the province of Castellón.
