Real Sociedad snatch dramatic late win at Elche as Celta are held by Getafe

Real Sociedad ended an eight-match wait for an away victory in La Liga with a dramatic 3-2 win at Elche, while Celta de Vigo were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Getafe on Monday.

Real Sociedad had appeared to lose a two-goal lead after Elche fought back, but Luka Sucic struck in the 90th minute to settle a remarkable contest. Celta, meanwhile, could not make their numerical advantage count after Getafe defender Zaid Romero was sent off.

Sucic seals Sociedad victory after Elche comeback

Job Ochieng played a decisive role in Real Sociedad’s first away win of the La Liga season, scoring once and creating two more goals in a fast start by the visitors.

Ochieng opened the scoring after 11 minutes when he met Carlos Soler’s delivery following a corner and drove the ball into the roof of the net for his first goal for the club.

Elche improved as the first half progressed, but Real Sociedad doubled their lead in the 31st minute. Pedro Bigas was dispossessed under pressure from Ochieng, who immediately found Yangel Herrera. The midfielder struck first time and, although the effort lacked power, it went underneath goalkeeper Matias Dituro and into the bottom corner.

Elche created opportunities to reduce the deficit, but Unai Marrero kept the visitors in front before the match took a dramatic turn after half-time.

Luka Sucic thought he had added a third for Real Sociedad, but a VAR review ruled out the goal for handball. The decision also led to substitute Jon Martin being shown a red card after he was judged to have denied Elche a clear goalscoring opportunity.

With an extra player, Elche quickly began to put Real Sociedad under pressure. Thomas Lemar marked his Elche debut by pulling one goal back, sending a low finish into the net from 20 yards.

The hosts completed their comeback with just over 15 minutes remaining. Tete Morente sent a cross into the area and Fer Nino used his chest to guide the ball over the line from close range.

Real Sociedad, despite being reduced to 10 players, continued to push for victory rather than settle for a point. Sucic eventually made amends in the 90th minute, driving into the penalty area before sending an unstoppable left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Marrero then preserved the win in stoppage time with a crucial save to deny Nino.

The result extends Real Sociedad’s unbeaten run to three matches. They face Atletico Madrid at home on Sunday, while Elche are still without a win this season and travel to Athletic Club next.

Celta denied by Getafe resistance

Celta de Vigo were unable to take advantage of Romero’s dismissal as Getafe held on for a point at home.

Getafe made the stronger start, with Ramon Terrats going close when he curled wide after finding himself one-on-one with Celta goalkeeper Ionut Radu.

The home side took the lead midway through the opening half after Celta failed to clear a corner. Martin Satriano reacted quickest, flicking the loose ball into the top corner from close range to score his first goal of the season.

Getafe then adopted a more defensive approach as they tried to protect their advantage, but Celta found an equaliser shortly before the hour mark.

Hugo Gonzalez delivered a dangerous corner and Carl Starfelt rose above the defence to head past David Soria, even though he did not make a clean connection with the ball.

Getafe’s task became more difficult when Romero received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Gonzalez. Celta controlled possession for the remainder of the match but could not find a winning goal against a determined Getafe defence.

The draw means Celta have failed to win any of their first five La Liga matches for a second successive season. Their next opportunity to change that comes against Malaga.

Getafe will also be concerned by their attacking record, having scored only twice so far this season.