Villarreal CF made a flying start count as they secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Estadio de la Cerámica, completing their first LaLiga double over the Basque side since the 2016/17 campaign.
With Spanish clubs enjoying a strong week in European competitions, boosting LaLiga’s hopes of earning an extra UEFA Champions League slot, Villarreal underlined their top-four ambitions by dismantling Sociedad early on.
Three rapid-fire goals effectively put the contest beyond doubt before the visitors could settle.
Leading from the front, Gerard Moreno broke the deadlock inside nine minutes, nodding home his eighth league goal of the season from a cleverly flicked near-post corner by Santi Comesaña.
Sociedad struggled to find their rhythm, and Moreno soon turned provider. His effort was only partially saved, allowing Georges Mikautadze to react quickest and tuck in the rebound for Villarreal’s second.
Brimming with confidence, the hosts showcased their lethal counter-attacking threat. A swift transition carved open the Sociedad defence, and Nicolas Pépé cut inside before firing goalward, his effort taking a deflection that left Alex Remiro with no chance.
Just before the break, Luiz Júnior preserved Villarreal’s commanding lead with a crucial one-on-one save against Mikel Oyarzabal, moments after Pépé had struck the woodwork at the other end.
However, the goalkeeper’s earlier heroics were undone shortly after halftime. A poor decision to come off his line left the goal exposed following a clearance by Renato Veiga, and substitute Luka Sučić capitalised to pull one back for Sociedad.
Mikautadze later missed a golden chance to restore Villarreal’s three-goal cushion, dragging his effort wide with only the keeper to beat.
He was spared further frustration when Orri Óskarsson had a goal ruled out for offside, ending any hopes of a late comeback.
The result sees Sociedad, managed by Pellegrino Matarazzo, remain seventh and six points off fifth place, while Villarreal climb above Atlético Madrid into third—strengthening their push for Champions League qualification.
