Real Sociedad 2–1 Levante: match recap

Match recap

Real Sociedad dominated the shot count 17-6 and controlled possession 615-365 in passes, yet needed a late push to break down a resilient Levante side. The visitors equalized through a defender's set-piece finish before Sociedad's superior depth and pressure told in the final third.

Levante stunned the Anoeta crowd early, silencing a one-sided first half with a composed goal from center-back Nacho Pérez, who converted from a T. Fernández delivery in the 40th minute. Real Sociedad responded quickly after the break — Beñat Turrientes arrived late into the box to sweep home a Gonçalo Guedes layoff just four minutes into the second half. The hosts turned the screw with relentless pressure: 17 total shots versus Levante's 6, and the breakthrough came when Orri Óskarsson powered through a tight angle to score the decisive 80th-minute strike. Levante's goalkeeper Mathew Ryan made only two saves on target but was shielded by a backline that conceded 11 more shot attempts than his own side created.

Key factors

• Real Sociedad's overwhelming shot volume (17-6) and territorial dominance (615-365 passes) wore down Levante's defensive structure
• Beñat Turrientes' quick equalizer in the 49th minute immediately erased Levante's halftime advantage and forced the visitors into a deeper block
• Orri Óskarsson's physicality and movement — 7 shots, 1 on target, 1 goal — proved decisive against a Levante backline that struggled to stay compact

The Analyst's take

The model share split 95-5 in favor of Real Sociedad, reflecting a performance that was dominant on the shot count and possession but inefficient in front of goal. With 17 shots and only 3 on target, the lack of precision is a concern going forward. Levante's defensive organization and ability to spring counter-attacks will keep them competitive against sides that are less able to sustain pressure.