Soler Stuns Valencia as Sociedad Edge 3-2 Thriller

Valencia vs Real Sociedad: La Liga Drama Unfolds

Real Sociedad broke Valencia hearts with a 90+1st minute winner from Ander Barrenetxea to clinch a 3-2 victory in a pulsating La Liga clash at Mestalla. What began as a tactical battle erupted into chaos as five goals, two red cards and 11 substitutions turned Matchday 7 into an instant classic.

Valencia’s Disciplinary Woes

The hosts started brightly but self-destructed inside 12 minutes – Justin De Haas and José Gayà both earning yellow cards for reckless challenges. Their aggression backfired when Luka Sučić capitalized on Job Ochieng’s threaded pass to slot past Dimtrievski in the 26th minute. Valencia’s 54% possession counted for nothing as their 13 first-half fouls disrupted any rhythm.

Mayol Magic and VAR Drama

Aaron Mayol announced his arrival in the 57th minute, controlling Hugo Duro’s cross before rifling past Remiro to equalize. But controversy struck when Luken Beitia’s accidental handball gifted Sociedad a 75th minute penalty – former Valencia captain Carlos Soler stepping up to silence his old fans with a ruthless conversion. Beitia’s nightmare continued nine minutes later as he diverted a cross into his own net to make it 2-2.

Barrenetxea Breaks Valencia Hearts

Just when Valencia smelled a point, Soler turned provider – his perfect through ball finding Barrenetxea who curled home in stoppage time. Orri Óskarsson’s 96th minute red card came too late for Valencia, who fell to a fourth straight loss despite their 22 shots. For Matarazzo’s men, this smash-and-grab win propels them into European contention while plunging Óscar Sánchez’s Valencia deeper into crisis.

Key Moments

26′ ⚽ Real Sociedad — Luka Sučić (assist: Job Ochieng)

57′ ⚽ Valencia — Aaron Mayol (assist: Hugo Duro)

75′ ⚽ Real Sociedad — Carlos Soler

84′ ⚽ Valencia — Luken Beitia Aguirregomezcorta

90+1′ ⚽ Real Sociedad — Ander Barrenetxea (assist: Carlos Soler)

90+6′ 🟥 Real Sociedad — Orri Steinn Óskarsson sent off