Real Sociedad 1-0 Alicante

Real Sociedad remain unbeaten since October after a crucial win this afternoon against Alicante with a goal in the 64th minute from midfielder Mikel Aranburu. Spearheaded by a strikeforce of Necati and Agirretxe the home team started very strongly and had a series of dangerous corners cleared and a penalty appeal after ths ball appeared to strike a defenders hand but as the first half went on Real's attacks were becoming more timid despite dictating the play. The first half ended with a Necati shot that was saved by Unanue in the Alicante goal.

The second half started as the first ended with the home side continuing to probe for an opening. Agirretxe went close with a couple of efforts. In 58 minutes Real Sociedad made two changes with Marcos replacing Moha and Prieto replacing Estrada and it was Prieto on 64 minutes that set up Aranburu for the winning goal with a pinpoint cross that was duly headed in. Alicante not surprisingly went on the hunt for an equaliser and forced Bravo into two saves before Necati had a header ruled out for being offside although television pictures show the Turkish striker was clearly onside when the ball hit the back of the net. Real survived a late Alicante spell of pressure to earn three valuable points and climb up to 6th in the league.

Real Sociedad: Bravo, Gerardo, Labaka, Ansotegi, Castillo; Bergara, Aranburu, Estrada (Xabi Prieto, 58 mins), Moha (Marcos, 58 mins); Agirretxe (Rivas, 71 mins) and Necati.

Alicante: Unanue; Blanco, Castells, German, Rubiales; Ismael, Abel Buades, Azkoitia, Catalá (German, 62 mins), Miñano (Peragón, 75 mins) and Pedro.

Attendance - 14,174.