Result: Real Sociedad beat Valencia 3-2 in a high-scoring LaLiga match at the Mestalla Stadium.

The LaLiga showdown took place on 20 September 2026 under the lights of Mestalla Stadium in Manises. Both sides entered the game looking to secure three points, and the atmosphere was electric as the home fans anticipated a strong performance from Valencia.

How it unfolded

The match opened with an early disciplinary note when Valencia’s Justin de Haas received a yellow card in the 11th minute for a bad foul, followed a minute later by a second yellow for José Gayà, also for a bad foul. The early cautions hinted at a physical contest.

Real Sociedad broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Luka Sucic struck a left-footed shot from the centre of the box into the top left corner, the move set up by Job Ochieng’s assist. The visitors led 1-0 and maintained pressure.

In the second half, Luka Sucic was booked in the 54th minute for a bad foul, his second caution of the match.

Valencia responded quickly, equalising in the 57th minute. Aaron Mayol fired a right-footed shot from the right side of the box into the top right corner, after a headed pass from Hugo Duro provided the assist. The score was level at 1-1.

Real Sociedad regained the lead in the 75th minute when Carlos Soler converted a penalty with a right-footed shot to the bottom left corner, making it 2-1.

The home side fought back again, and the match appeared to be heading for a draw when Luken Beitia inadvertently put the ball into his own net in the 84th minute, restoring parity at 2-2.

The decisive moment came in stoppage time. Ander Barrenetxea, after a corner, scored in the 90'+1 minute with a right-footed strike from the right side of the box into the top right corner, the assist coming from Carlos Soler. Real Sociedad moved ahead 3-2.

In the final minutes, Real Sociedad’s Orri Óskarsson was shown a yellow card in the 90'+6 minute and, as the same booking was his second of the match, he was sent off for a second yellow. The visitors finished the game a man down but held on for the win.

Standout performers

  • Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad) – scored the opening goal and was involved in early attacking play.
  • Aaron Mayol (Valencia) – equalised with a well-taken shot, showcasing composure in the box.
  • Carlos Soler (Real Sociedad) – converted the penalty and later provided the decisive assist for Ander Barrenetxea.
  • Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad) – netted the winning goal in stoppage time.

Match facts

  • Final score: Valencia 2-3 Real Sociedad
  • Scorers:
    • Luka Sucic (26’) – Real Sociedad
    • Aaron Mayol (57’) – Valencia
    • Carlos Soler (75’) – Real Sociedad (penalty)
    • Luken Beitia (own goal, 84’) – Valencia
    • Ander Barrenetxea (90'+1’) – Real Sociedad
  • Bookings:
    • Justin de Haas (Valencia, 11’)
    • José Gayà (Valencia, 12’)
    • Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad, 54’)
    • Orri Óskarsson (Real Sociedad, 90'+6’)
  • Sending-off: Orri Óskarsson (Real Sociedad, 90'+6’) – second yellow
  • Venue: Mestalla Stadium, Manises

What it means

The 3-2 victory gives Real Sociedad three points from the LaLiga encounter, while Valencia return home with a narrow defeat despite battling back to level the score twice. Both clubs will reflect on the disciplinary incidents that shaped the match.