Alex Remiro Saves Real Sociedad in Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over Valencia at Mestalla

Early Breakthrough and First-Half Action

The match began with Valencia returning home following two rounds away from their turf amid a period of internal transition.

Despite a calmer atmosphere in the stands under the watch of newly appointed sporting director Braulio Vázquez, it was the visiting team that stamped its authority on the pitch. Real Sociedad sought an immediate response following a recent European defeat, threatening early through central defender Beitia, whose header from a lateral free kick was stopped by goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.

Valencia answered swiftly through Arnaut Danjuma, whose driving run down the left flank created a dangerous cross that Javi Guerra narrowly missed. However, the Basque side steadily seized control of possession. After an initial chance thwarted by the home defense, Luka Šučić broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. The Croatian midfielder combined with Jon Aramburu and a back-heel flick from Ochieng before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner.

Real Sociedad pushed to extend their advantage before the break, with Mikel Oyarzabal testing Dimitrievski and Jon Martín sending a chipped effort just wide of the post.

A Second-Half Surge and Valencia’s Equalizer

Valencia altered their setup at halftime, introducing Victor Otorbi in place of Ugrinic. The tactical switch injected immediate energy into the home side, with Otorbi manufacturing the opening danger of the second period.

Buoyed by the goal, Valencia swarmed the Real Sociedad penalty area. Beitia was forced to clear a dangerous cross from Javi Guerra off the goal line, and Remiro produced a sharp reaction save to deny a fierce strike from Otorbi.

Frenetic Finish and Remiro’s Heroics

Against the run of play, Real Sociedad reclaimed the lead in the 75th minute. Javi Guerra committed a foul inside the box on Yangel Herrera, conceding a penalty. Carlos Soler stepped up to convert from the spot against his former club, marking his first appearance back at Mestalla since departing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.

Valencia refused to surrender. Following a lengthy video review in the 84th minute, an own goal credited to Beitia restored parity at 2-2, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

The parity lasted only briefly. In the 91st minute, Ander Barrenetxea struck to put the visitors ahead 3-2. Immediately afterward, Valencia mounted one final assault, but Remiro came up decisive with a brilliant stop against Aimar Blázquez to preserve the victory before the final whistle.