LaLiga: Valencia Claim Crucial Win Over Real Sociedad to Boost Relegation Fight

Hugo Duro's first-half goal earned Valencia a crucial 1-0 win over Real Sociedad, lifting them off the bottom of the LaLiga table and ending a near two-month wait for a league victory.

Valencia's lengthy wait for a LaLiga victory has finally come to an end, thanks to Hugo Duro's decisive first-half strike against Real Sociedad. The 1-0 win lifts Carlos Corberán's side off the foot of the table, providing a crucial boost in their relegation battle. Valencia had gone nearly two months without a win in the league.

The match got off to a lively start, with Diego Lopez squandering a golden opportunity to put Valencia ahead within the first five minutes. The hosts' player shockingly headed wide from the edge of the six-yard box, despite being left unmarked. Real Sociedad's Orri Oskarsson then spurned a similarly gilt-edged chance at the other end, scuffing Sheraldo Becker's cross from the right off target.

Valencia capitalized on their opponents' profligacy, taking the lead through Hugo Duro's close-range finish. Dimitri Foulquier's deflected shot had bobbled into Duro's path, allowing him to slot into an empty net. Real Sociedad's response was underwhelming, with Javi Lopez and Becker having efforts saved before the break, but they failed to exert sustained pressure on the Valencia defense.

Real Sociedad emerged from the halftime break with renewed determination, evident in Bruno Mendez's early attempt to equalize. Mendez's initial effort was closely followed by a curled shot that floated over the bar. However, this brief surge of momentum soon dissipated, and Valencia, despite their struggles in keeping clean sheets, defended reasonably comfortably for the remainder of the match.

FT: #ValenciaRealSociedad 1-0

🦇 @valenciacf_en grab a valuable victory!#LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/X6gvLDecg3

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) January 19, 2025

As the game progressed, Valencia had opportunities to extend their lead. Notably, Hugo Duro squandered a one-on-one chance against Alex Remiro, shooting straight at the goalkeeper after being released by Jose Gaya. Despite some nervous moments, Valencia's defense held firm, and Real Sociedad's attacking substitutions failed to trouble Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal.

The win marks a significant milestone for Valencia, who are now unbeaten in four games for the first time since January last year. In contrast, Real Sociedad's 1-0 loss is their third defeat in four LaLiga outings, with the team failing to score in each of those losses. The result also means Real Sociedad missed the opportunity to move into fifth place in the table.