Real Sociedad picked up their first home win of the season, and moved up to eighth in the table, defeating Celta de Vigo 2-1 at Anoeta on Monday night.
The Galicians had a new man in charge - 46 year old Miguel Cardoso was making his managerial bow in La Liga, after replacing Antonio Mohamed earlier this month. The Portuguese coach, who guided Rio Ave into Europe last season, but was sacked eight games into the current campaign by Nantes, had clearly implemented some of his ideas during the international break.
He made six changes to the XI that lost to Real Madrid. Hugo Mallo and Gustavo Cabral were suspended, Fran Beltran was injured. It was a surprise to see Maxi Gomez, Sofiane Boufal and Facundo Roncaglia start on the bench. Cardoso gave Jozabed and Andrew Hjulsager their first starts of the season, and right back Kevin Vazquez his La Liga debut. It was a starting XI that raised eyebrows.
His team had clearly been told to pass the ball out from defence - they tried to do this throughout the first half, with varying degrees of success. Often individual errors led to the concession of possession. Midfielder Okay Yokuslu dropped very deep - almost like a third center back. Both full backs were playing high up the pitch.
Inside three minutes Adnan Januzaj hit the post for Real Sociedad, who had captain Asier Illaramendi suspended and defender Aritz Elustondo injured.
Celta did pass their way out from the back on 20 minutes to set up Iago Aspas for a one-on-one chance but he slipped in front of Miguel Angel Moya and was unable to add to his tally of eight goals in his last 10 league games.
La Real looked the stronger team and eventually took the lead on 37 minutes when Celta's passing out from defence went wrong, again: midfielder Jozabed mis-controlled a pass and was tackled by Mikel Oyarzabal. After Willian Jose had his shot saved by Sergio Alvarez, and Juanmi's effort was cleared off the line by Nestor Araujo, Oyarzabal cleverly arrowed home his fourth goal of the season at the near post. This was Real Sociedad's first goal at Anoeta in five hours and 19 minutes of action.
Celta had conceded for the 15th consecutive league game away from home, something they'd not done since 1990. But they did continue to try passing the ball out from the back, and were enthusiastically encouraged by their elegantly dressed newcomer coach.
At half time Cardoso brought on Maxi Gomez for Emre Mor. The Uruguayan had scored the winner here last season, and boasted a tally of six goals already in the current campaign.
However, two minutes into the second half the home team doubled their lead - Adnan Januzaj's perfect cross from the right was met powerfully by David Zurutuza - captain on the night. The midfielder was untracked by Brais Mendez and got above Nestor Araujo to excellently head beyond Sergio.
Celta seemed hugely deflated and thereafter ensued a period of Real Sociedad dominance.
Zurutuza headed against the cross bar in the 52nd minute.
Cardoso brought on Boufal who, typically, was a bright attacking spark. Aspas began to drop deeper and deeper looking for service. Celta were on course for their fifth consecutive league game without a win, and have now won just 1 of their last 11 matches in all competitions.
With eight minutes remaining Kevin found Mendez on the right - his assist for Gomez was superb and the Uruguayan striker confidently buried his header to half the deficit.
However, there was no grand-stand finish. Asier Garitano's team comfortably held for for a win that moves them onto 19 points, one behind Real Madrid and Girona.
They almost scored a third goal through Oyarzabal, Willian Jose and then Juanmi but it remained 2-1. Cardoso began his tenure with a defeat - Celta remain three points, and three places, above the relegation zone.
Images from El Mundo Deportivo
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