A sizeable crowd of 27,935 turned out at La Rosaleda to welcome one of the league’s historic clubs. On the pitch, Juanfran Funes brought in Salinas, Izan Merino, Dotor and Niño in place of Puga, Rafa, Dani Lorenzo and Joaquín, setting his side up in a 1-4-4-2 formation.
Real Sociedad showcased their quality and attacking prowess from the outset. Take Kubo gave Matarazzo’s side an early lead (0-1, 3’). Recio tried his luck from distance in the 12th minute, but his effort was off target. Niño came close to equalising in the 21st minute, only for Remiro to produce a superb save.
Óskarsson threatened in minute 24 with a counterattack that ended with a shot narrowly wide of the post. Moments later, the Real Sociedad ‘9’ doubled the visitors’ lead (0-2, 26’). Barrene soon tested Alfonso Herrero, before Oyarzabal did likewise in the 42nd minute, with the Málaga goalkeeper making saves to prevent a third goal.
At half-time, Funes brought on Ramón and Aznou for Izan Merino and Salinas. The Moroccan-born left-back had a chance to score in minute 54, when Málaga pulled one back thanks to an excellent assist from Martínez, which Niño finished clinically first time to make it 1-2. It was the Rota-born striker’s third league goal of the season.
However, Real Sociedad proved ruthless once again when they got into the penalty area. Oyarzabal fired a low, powerful shot into the net to make it 1-3 in the 59th minute.
Dani Lorenzo replaced Carlos Dotor in midfield in minute 64. A minute later, Chupe headed against the crossbar. From the resulting passage of play, Martínez produced a superb strike, curling the ball into the top corner to make it 2-3 (66’). However, Oyarzabal struck again moments later, completing his brace to restore Real Sociedad’s two-goal advantage (2-4, 67’).
Joaquín came on for Larrubia in the 68th minute and came close to making it 3-4 with a powerful shot that Remiro turned away in minute 71. Portuguese forward Guedes then scored Real Sociedad’s fifth in the 73rd minute to make it 2-5. The scoreline remained unchanged during the closing stages, with the visitors securing a 5-2 victory.
Málaga CF remain on four points and will face Deportivo Alavés next Friday 23 October at Estadio Mendizorroza, with kick-off at 21:00.
