Real Sociedad Edge Dramatic Valencia Comeback With Barrenetxea Winner

Real Sociedad held their nerve in a pulsating La Liga encounter on Sunday evening, defeating Valencia 3-2 in a match that swung wildly in both directions before Ander Barrenetxea's stunning stoppage-time goal sealed all three points for the visitors.

Sučić Opens the Scoring

Real Sociedad drew first blood in the 26th minute when midfielder Luka Sučić found the net to give the Basque side a deserved lead. The goal came after a bright opening from Real Sociedad, who had already tested Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski on multiple occasions. Valencia struggled to impose themselves in the first half, picking up two yellow cards — José Gayà in the 12th minute and Justin De Haas in the 11th — which only complicated their afternoon further. The teams went into the break with Real Sociedad leading 1-0.

Valencia Strike Back — Then Crumble

Valencia came out fighting after the restart and pulled level through Aaron Mayol in the 57th minute, sparking genuine belief at the Mestalla. However, Real Sociedad restored their advantage swiftly when Carlos Soler coolly converted a penalty in the 75th minute to make it 2-1. Just when it seemed the game was slipping away, Valencia produced a remarkable double salvo in the 84th minute — substitute Aimar Blázquez fired home to level the contest, before Real Sociedad's Luken Beitia turned the ball into his own net to bizarrely hand Valencia a 2-2 scoreline. The home crowd could barely believe it.

Barrenetxea Breaks Valencian Hearts

But the drama was far from over. Deep into stoppage time, in the 91st minute, substitute Ander Barrenetxea — who had only entered the pitch in the 61st minute — unleashed a moment of brilliance to restore Real Sociedad's lead and ultimately seal a breathtaking 3-2 victory. The final whistle was followed by a red card for Orri Steinn Óskarsson in the 96th minute after a second yellow, though the damage was already done for Valencia.

Match Statistics

Valencia tested Álex Remiro frequently, registering six shots on target from 15 total attempts, while earning seven corners to Real Sociedad's five. Real Sociedad matched Valencia with six shots on target from 14 total efforts. Valencia committed 10 fouls and received two yellow cards, while Real Sociedad were guilty of 12 fouls, picked up two yellows, and saw Óskarsson dismissed late on.

What This Means

This defeat is a bitter blow for Valencia, who fought valiantly but were punished by their own defensive errors and a clinical Real Sociedad side that never gave up. For Real Sociedad, this away win is a massive statement of intent in La Liga, showcasing their character, depth from the bench, and ability to win ugly when it matters most. Watch this space — the Basques are serious contenders this season.