In a dramatic La Liga clash that lived up to its billing, Villarreal snatched a stunning 3-2 victory away at Real Sociedad with a last-gasp winner from Alberto Moleiro. The match, a compelling encounter between two sides in strong form, saw the Yellow Submarine squander a commanding two-goal lead before their young star delivered a moment of magic in the 95th minute to secure a fifth consecutive league win. The result sees Villarreal climb to second in the table, at least temporarily, while Real Sociedad’s recent resurgence was halted in heartbreaking fashion.
The stage was set at Anoeta Stadium for a fascinating tactical battle. Real Sociedad, under Sergio Francisco, had found their rhythm after a slow start, entering the match unbeaten in five across all competitions. Villarreal, managed by Marcelino, arrived as genuine title contenders, boasting the joint-best defensive record in La Liga and riding a wave of four straight league victories. The pre-match narrative was dominated by significant injury absences for the hosts, with key striker Mikel Oyarzabal, along with Orri Oskarsson, Yangel Herrera, Jon Karrikaburu, and Inaki Ruperez all sidelined. Igor Zubeldia was also a major doubt. Villarreal’s absentee list included Logan Costa, Willy Kambwala, and Pau Cabanes.
The game exploded into life in the first half. Villarreal, showcasing the counter-attacking prowess that has defined their season, took a deserved lead in the 31st minute. Alfonso Pedraza provided the assist for Ayoze Pérez, who finished calmly from close range. The visitors doubled their advantage just before the hour mark, with Moleiro firing home a superb strike from outside the area after being teed up by Pérez, seemingly putting the game to bed at 0-2.
However, Real Sociedad, fueled by the home crowd, launched a remarkable comeback. Carlos Soler ignited hopes with a spectacular long-range effort in the 60th minute, reducing the deficit. The momentum fully swung when a defensive error from Santiago Mourino gifted La Real a free-kick in a dangerous position. Substitute Ander Barrenetxea stepped up and curled a magnificent set-piece into the top corner in the 87th minute, completing the fightback to make it 2-2. The Basque side nearly completed the turnaround moments later, but Mikel Goti missed a golden chance from close range.
Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Villarreal produced one final, devastating blow. In the fifth minute of added time, Alberto Moleiro was the hero again, meeting a cross with a first-time, right-footed volley that flew into the net, sending the away contingent into raptures. The goal, a moment of pure quality, secured a vital three points for Marcelino’s men in their pursuit of the league leaders. The match statistics told a story of Real Sociedad dominance in possession (60%) undone by Villarreal’s lethal efficiency and resilience.
The implications of this result are significant. For Villarreal, this hard-fought victory away at a tough venue like Anoeta underscores their title credentials and mental fortitude. Moving into second place, they keep the pressure on Real Madrid at the summit. For Real Sociedad, the defeat is a cruel setback after their impressive recent form, though their fighting spirit in erasing a two-goal deficit will offer some consolation. The match, a true spectacle of attacking football and late drama, will be remembered as a classic encounter in the 2025/2026 La Liga season.