Deportivo Extend Unbeaten Streak With Win Against Sociedad

It was one of those nights for Deportivo where everything their coach touched turned to gold. Who would have ever thought that an injury would be a blessing in disguise of sorts for a team like Deportivo?

Lassad's ankle injury led to Riki coming into the match.  That substitution by Miguel Ángel Lotina was part of the key for Deportivo as they would beat Real Sociedad 2-1 at Riazor on Monday evening. 

Rikis’ second shot of the match was a brilliant strike courtesy of a Diego Colotto cross.  That was all the difference in the match that saw more battling in the middle of the pitch and very sloppy passing than anything else.  That would be all that the man from Aranjuez would be able to contribute with as was replaced by Desmarets in the 55th minute. 

Sociedad would make things interesting just a few minutes later when Xabi Prieto crossed a ball into the area and he would connect with Imanol Agirretxe to make it 2-1.   Agirretxe’s strike would be his second of the year but more interesting is the fact that his first goal was ironically against Deportivo at Anoeta back on October 25th.  It was also his first start of the season under coach Martín Lasarte.

Outside of that and a Sarpong attempt that teased for the equalizer, Sociedad did little on the offensive end. The Sociedad offense might not be struggling, per se, but they have been outscored 7-3 during their current winless run.  

Deportivo extended their unbeaten streak to five matches. Real Sociedad in the meantime looked to reverse their fortunes after being blown out by Espanyol and then drawing with Levante at Anoeta but saw their winless streak reach three and los ground in the race for the final European spot.

Lotina had to make a last-minute substitution with the inclusion of David Rochela for Aythami who was ruled out at the last minute due to gastroenteritis.  

If Deportivo were to hold on they would jump up to 13th place, nine points behind Espanyol for the final European spot.  Now they will have to pick up the pieces against cellar-dwellers Málaga while Deportivo host a resurgent Levante next round. 

DEPORTIVO:  Aranzubía, Laure, Colotto, Rochela, Morel Rodríguez; Antonio Tomás, Rodríguez, Michel, Adrián, Guardado: Lassad

REAL SOCIEDAD: Bravo, Estrada, Ansotegui, Demidov, González; Rivas, Illarramendi, Xabi Prieto, Zurutuza, Griezmann, Agirretxe