Elche vs Real Sociedad was an exciting LaLiga encounter that ended with Real Sociedad securing a dramatic 3–2 victory at the Estadio Martínez Valero on September 7, 2026. The visitors built a two-goal lead in the first half, but Elche fought back to level the score before Luka Sučić scored a late winner.
The match featured five goals, a major VAR decision and a red card that changed the direction of the contest. Real Sociedad ultimately collected all three points after surviving a difficult second half against a determined Elche side.
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Elche vs Real Sociedad Match Details
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Elche vs Real Sociedad |
| Competition | LaLiga 2026–27 |
| Date | September 7, 2026 |
| Stadium | Estadio Martínez Valero |
| Final Score | Elche 2–3 Real Sociedad |
| Half-Time Score | Elche 0–2 Real Sociedad |
| Result | Real Sociedad won |
| Attendance | 25,562 |
The game was played during Matchday 4 of the 2026–27 LaLiga season. Real Sociedad took control early, while Elche’s second-half comeback made the closing stages particularly dramatic. (LaLiga)
Elche vs Real Sociedad Score and Goal Scorers
Both teams produced important attacking moments, but Real Sociedad found the decisive goal in the final minute of normal time.
| Minute | Team | Goal Scorer | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11′ | Real Sociedad | Job Ochieng | 0–1 |
| 31′ | Real Sociedad | Yangel Herrera | 0–2 |
| 67′ | Elche | Thomas Lemar | 1–2 |
| 74′ | Elche | Fernando Niño | 2–2 |
| 90′ | Real Sociedad | Luka Sučić | 2–3 |
Real Sociedad appeared to have scored a third goal earlier in the second half, but VAR ruled it out following a handball by defender Jon Martín. The decision also resulted in Martín being sent off, giving Elche a numerical advantage. (Cadena SER)
How Real Sociedad Took the Early Lead
Real Sociedad started strongly and opened the scoring through Job Ochieng in the 11th minute. The goal followed a corner, with Ochieng finishing after the ball reached him inside the penalty area.
The visitors doubled their advantage in the 31st minute. Ochieng turned provider, setting up Yangel Herrera, who finished to make it 2–0.
Elche struggled to contain Real Sociedad’s attacking moves during the first half. The visitors entered the break with a comfortable lead and appeared well positioned to secure the win.
Elche’s Second-Half Comeback
Elche returned from the break with renewed determination. The match changed significantly when a potential third goal for Real Sociedad was disallowed after a VAR review, and Jon Martín received a red card for handball.
With an extra player on the pitch, Elche began putting more pressure on the visitors. Thomas Lemar reduced the deficit in the 67th minute, giving the home crowd renewed hope.
Fernando Niño then scored in the 74th minute to make it 2–2. Elche had recovered from two goals down and looked capable of completing the comeback.
However, the hosts could not maintain the momentum through the final stages of the game.
Luka Sučić Scores the Late Winner
Just when the match appeared likely to end in a draw, Luka Sučić delivered the decisive moment for Real Sociedad.
In the 90th minute, Sučić advanced during a counterattack and finished to put the visitors back in front at 3–2. The goal stunned the home crowd and restored Real Sociedad’s lead after Elche’s impressive comeback.
Real Sociedad then held on through the closing minutes to secure the victory. Sučić’s late finish proved decisive in a match that had changed direction several times.
Elche vs Real Sociedad Match Statistics
The match statistics show that Elche had more possession and created considerable attacking pressure, particularly after Real Sociedad went down to ten men.
| Statistic | Elche | Real Sociedad |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 56% | 44% |
| Shots on target | 10 | 6 |
| Shots off target | 10 | 7 |
| Corners | 6 | 7 |
| Fouls | 9 | 7 |
These figures are reported by The Guardian’s match centre. They show that Elche generated more shots on target and controlled more of the possession, but Real Sociedad were more effective at scoring the decisive goals. (The Guardian)
Elche vs Real Sociedad: Key Players
Job Ochieng
Job Ochieng made a major contribution to Real Sociedad’s victory. He opened the scoring in the first half and later provided the assist for Yangel Herrera’s goal. His contribution helped the visitors establish the early advantage.
Yangel Herrera
Herrera scored Real Sociedad’s second goal, giving his side a two-goal cushion before half-time. His finish was an important moment in a first half largely controlled by the visitors.
Thomas Lemar
Lemar gave Elche a route back into the game by scoring in the 67th minute. His goal reduced the deficit and helped build the momentum that eventually produced the equalizer.
Fernando Niño
Fernando Niño scored Elche’s second goal in the 74th minute. His finish brought the match level and made a home victory seem possible before Sučić’s late intervention.
Luka Sučić
Sučić scored the winning goal in the 90th minute. His late finish ensured Real Sociedad left Elche with all three points despite the hosts’ strong second-half response.
What the Result Meant for Both Teams
The victory gave Real Sociedad an important away win after a challenging match. The team had to adjust after Jon Martín’s dismissal and withstand Elche’s pressure before finding the decisive goal.
For Elche, the defeat was disappointing because the team recovered from a two-goal deficit and reached a 2–2 scoreline. Despite the comeback, the home side could not prevent Real Sociedad from scoring again in the final minute.
The result also highlighted the importance of defensive concentration late in a match. Elche showed determination in attack, while Real Sociedad demonstrated that they could still find a winning moment under pressure.
Conclusion
Elche vs Real Sociedad delivered a dramatic LaLiga contest that ended in a 3–2 victory for the visitors on September 7, 2026. Job Ochieng and Yangel Herrera gave Real Sociedad an early lead, while Thomas Lemar and Fernando Niño helped Elche fight back.
Luka Sučić ultimately decided the match with a 90th-minute goal. Despite Elche’s comeback and Real Sociedad’s second-half setback following Jon Martín’s red card, the visitors secured all three points in an entertaining five-goal encounter.