Real Sociedad 1-0 Huesca

Real Sociedad moved within 3 points of the promotion places today with a 1-0 victory over Huesca which also seen the first victory at the Anoeta for 2 months. Real Sociedad had most of the ball in the first half but found it difficult to breach the Huesca defence. The first chance came in the 20th minute when Necati was brought down in the box but the referee deemed the challenge to be legal. Real Sociedad continued to press but the attacks lacked speed and penetration.

The 2nd half started the way the 1st ended with the home team probing for openings and Estrada nearly scored after latching onto a Necati cross but Edu closed him down well. The winning goal came in the 72nd minute and what a goal it was! Xabier Castillo ran onto the ball from 35 yards out and unleashed an unstoppable first-time shot into the net with his left foot to send the home support into raptures and surely put down a marker for goal of the season (see below). Aranburu nearly doubled the lead seconds later only to be denied by Edu in goal.

Necati Ates, who many fans are looking to as a natural replacement for the injured de Cerio recieved a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 81st minute. He dazzled the home support with some great pieces of individual play and it surely can't be long before he gets his first goal for the club.

Real Sociedad managed to hold on for all 3 points despite a late rally by Huesca and can now look forward to next weeks game against Celta Vigo with great optimism.

Real Sociedad: Bravo, Gerardo, Mikel Gonzalez, Labaka, Castillo, Markel, Aranburu, Moha (Agirretxe, 63 mins), Estrada (Rivas, 88 mins), Marcos, Necati (Zurutuza, 81 mins).

Huesca: Edu; Borrego, Dorado, Roberto, Ripa (Ramón, 46 mins); Sobregau, Jose (Rodri, 80 mins), Helguera, Edu Roldán, Jon Erice (Felipe Manoel, 75 mins); Nico Medina.

Attendance - 17,232.

Next match - 29/11/08 Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad

Click play to view Castillo' screamer!