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First-half flurry sees Villarreal down Real Sociedad to go third in LaLiga

First-half flurry sees Villarreal down Real Sociedad to go third in LaLiga
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A strong performance by Spanish clubs in European competitions has boosted LaLiga's prospects of securing an additional UEFA Champions League spot, yet Villarreal, firmly on track for a top-four finish, dashed Real Sociedad's ambitions of securing fifth place by netting three goals in quick succession during the opening period.

Renowned for setting the pace on the field, Villarreal's star Gerard Moreno wasted no time, notching his eighth league goal this season after nine minutes by heading in Santi Comesana's smartly redirected delivery from a corner at the near post.

Real Sociedad appeared far from the Champions League contenders they might become next season, with Gerard contributing to Villarreal's next goal as his effort was parried but rebounded perfectly for Georges Mikautadze to tap into the empty goal.

Buoyed by their momentum, the Yellow Submarine showcased their prowess in rapid transitions, swiftly advancing from defence to attack and carving out a chance for Nicolas Pepe, who manoeuvred into position and beat Alex Remiro despite a crucial deflection.

Luiz Junior denied the away team a chance to pull one back right before the interval, stopping Mikel Oyarzabal in a promising one-on-one, mere moments after Pepe had struck the frame of the goal at the other end.

That said, the Villarreal keeper was soon humbled following the break, venturing out rashly for a cross that Renato Veiga cleared, exposing the net for substitute Luka Sucic to guide in his shot via a deflection at half-time.

Mikautadze missed an opportunity to reinstate the hosts' three-goal lead shortly after the 70th minute, firing wide of the far post despite facing just the keeper.

The Georgian forward must have felt relieved shortly after when Orri Oskarsson's effort was disallowed for offside, quashing any remaining threat of a Real Sociedad comeback.

This loss positions Pellegrino Matarazzo's team in seventh place, trailing fifth by six points, as Villarreal overtakes Atletico Madrid to claim third spot temporarily.