UEL: Real Sociedad Stun Ajax with 2-0 Victory in Europa League

Real Sociedad Stun Ajax with 2-0 Victory in Europa League

Ajax's defeat marked their ninth loss in their last 13 away matches against Spanish opposition...

Real Sociedad secured a crucial 2-0 win over Ajax in the Europa League, maintaining their unbeaten record against Dutch opposition and climbing within three points of the top eight.

Real Sociedad strengthened their bid for a playoff spot with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Ajax in their inaugural head-to-head encounter. This win marked a significant milestone, as it brought an end to Ajax's unbeaten run in this season's UEFA Europa League.

Ajax, who entered the match on a 16-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, started the match on the front foot. Chuba Akpom squandered an early opportunity, firing wide after a promising breakaway. The Dutch side continued to threaten, and with 11 minutes on the clock, Brian Brobbey saw his effort strike the post while under pressure, leaving him disappointed.

The early opportunity for Ajax proved to be their most promising chance of the first half, as scoring opportunities became scarce thereafter. Although Real Sociedad dominated possession, they struggled to assert their control over the game until the dying moments of the half. It was then that Sheraldo Becker delivered a pinpoint pass to Mikel Oyarzabal, who cleverly turned with the ball at his feet but ultimately sent his shot wide.

The first half drew to a close with a sense of disappointment for the hosts, Real Sociedad, as Aritz Elustondo was stretchered off the field. However, the second half witnessed a significant shift in momentum, as the game sprang to life with scoring opportunities emerging for both teams.

Takefusa Kubo initiated the resurgence, seeing his low shot saved by the Ajax goalkeeper. At the other end, Kian Fitz-Jim narrowly missed the target, dragging his effort onto the post. Real Sociedad thought they had taken the lead when Jon Aramburu turned in a set-piece delivery, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside position. Undeterred, Sociedad persisted and eventually broke the deadlock in the 67th minute, as Ander Barrenetxea tucked in Kubo's cross.

Real Sociedad's improved second-half performance ultimately paid dividends, as they doubled their lead in the final minutes. Takefusa Kubo proved instrumental once more, darting towards goal and burying his strike into the corner. This goal sealed a hard-fought 2-0 victory for Sociedad, marking only their third win in 10 home games.

Real Sociedad preserved their unblemished record against Dutch teams, extending their unbeaten streak against Eredivisie opposition. This crucial win propelled La Real to within three points of the top eight, marking a significant turnaround after a rocky start to their European campaign.

Ajax's defeat marked their ninth loss in their last 13 away matches against Spanish opposition, a dismal record that continues to plague the Dutch giants. Despite this setback, Ajax remains within the automatic qualification spots, albeit having dropped down the standings. The defeat serves as a wake-up call for Ajax, who must regroup and refocus to maintain their position in the competition.