Real Sociedad delivered a dominant performance to crush Espanyol 5-0 away from home, moving six points clear of La Liga’s relegation zone. The emphatic victory builds on their momentum from a 2-1 win against Real Betis in the previous round, lifting Eusebio Sacristán’s side from 14th to 11th in the table.
The visitors wasted no time asserting their authority on Monday night, racing into a two-goal lead within the first eight minutes. Jonathas opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a clinical finish, followed shortly after by Carlos Vela’s composed strike in the eighth, leaving Espanyol reeling.
Real Sociedad continued to dominate after the break and effectively sealed the match with another rapid double. Mikel Oyarzabal found the net in the 52nd minute, and Diego Reyes followed with a goal in the 55th, putting the result beyond doubt. Jonathas completed the rout in the 90th minute with his second of the game, capping off a miserable night for the hosts.
Espanyol, who suffered a 6-0 hammering at the hands of Real Madrid in their last outing, offered little resistance and remain 17th in the standings, precariously just one point above the drop zone after another dismal display.
The result also impacts other teams in the table, as Gary Neville’s Valencia drop to 14th, now sitting four points clear of the relegation zone. For Real Sociedad, the win marks a crucial step away from danger, with their improved form providing hope for a stronger second half of the season.
