Alaves vs Real Sociedad Match Recap - Dec 6, 2025

Alaves Stuns Real Sociedad with Late Penalty to Secure Vital Win

Alaves' 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad marks a significant turning point in their season, showcasing resilience and tactical discipline. The win propels Alaves to 14th place in La Liga, while Real Sociedad remains in 10th, struggling to find consistency.

Alaves' recent form has been a rollercoaster, with this match serving as a much-needed boost after a string of disappointing results. Prior to this victory, they had only one win in their last five league matches, including three losses. The triumph against Portugalete in the Copa del Rey just days before this fixture seemed to ignite a spark, and it was evident that Alaves came into this match with renewed confidence. Lucas Boyé, who scored in the Copa del Rey, continued his impactful presence by converting the decisive penalty in stoppage time, demonstrating his ability to deliver when it matters most.

Real Sociedad's recent performances have been characterized by missed opportunities and defensive lapses. Despite showing promise with a solid win against Reddis in the Copa del Rey, they fell short against Villarreal in their last league outing. The inability to convert chances has haunted them; they managed 17 shots against Villarreal but only found the net twice. This inefficiency was again evident against Alaves, where they struggled to break down a resolute defense. Carlos Soler and Brais Méndez, key players for Sociedad, were unable to influence the game significantly, reflecting the team's ongoing struggles to capitalize on possession.

The tactical battle played out as expected, with Alaves adopting a defensive posture while looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. Their formation of 4-1-4-1 allowed them to absorb pressure effectively and transition quickly when the opportunity arose. The midfield trio of Denis Suárez, Abderrahman Rebbach, and Pablo Ibáñez worked tirelessly to disrupt Sociedad's rhythm, limiting their passing options and forcing them into less favorable positions. This strategy paid off, as Alaves maintained a higher pass accuracy (76%) compared to Sociedad's 86%, but crucially, they were more effective in critical moments.

Real Sociedad's inability to convert possession into meaningful chances continues to be a concern. They dominated ball control with 60% possession but failed to translate that into goals. The lack of clinical finishing has been a recurring theme; their xG of 1.07 against Villarreal highlighted their struggles, and similar issues persisted against Alaves. The pressure on Umar Sadiq and Takefusa Kubo to deliver goals is mounting, yet they have not consistently risen to the occasion.

The penalty awarded to Alaves in stoppage time encapsulated the match's tension. After a hard-fought battle, Boyé's calm conversion not only secured three points but also showcased his growing importance to the team. His ability to step up under pressure is a testament to his character and skill, making him a player to watch as the season progresses.

Looking ahead, Alaves will face a daunting challenge against Real Madrid next week. This victory could serve as a catalyst for their campaign, instilling belief that they can compete against top-tier teams. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad must regroup quickly before their clash with Girona. They need to address their finishing woes and find ways to convert possession into goals if they hope to climb the table.

This match serves as a reminder of the fine margins in football; Alaves capitalized on their moment while Real Sociedad faltered once again. The narrative of redemption for Alaves is compelling, while Sociedad's struggles raise questions about their ability to compete consistently in La Liga. As the season unfolds, both teams will need to adapt and evolve if they wish to achieve their respective goals.