Real Sociedad welcomed Villarreal to the San Sebastian on Wednesday for the first leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey clash.
The away side had the best of the chances in the first period, but could not make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
Chances continued to arrive in the second half, but the first leg ended with a share of the spoils.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Copa del Rey last-16 coverage continues this evening as Real Sociedad welcome Villarreal for the first leg. Both of these sides have European football on their minds in terms of the league, but with a spot in the quarter-finals up for grabs, neither will be taking the competition lightly at this stage.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won one of the last five matches, with the further three ending in 1-1 draws. As mentioned, the last time the two sides met in this stadium was in a La Liga clash in April 2012, where the points where shared in a 1-1 draw. That was also the case in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
TEAMS:
SOCIEDAD: Zubikarai; Zaldua, Mikel, I Martinez, Angel; Markel, Elustondo; Castro, Agirretxe, Griezmann; Seferovic
VILLARREAL: Carlos; Paulista, Musacchio, Costa, Jokic; Pantic, Bruno, Pina; Aquino, Giovani, Pereira
So there we have it. Much-changed XI for Sociedad this evening with Mikel Gonzalez, Joseba Zaldua, Chorey Castro, Haris Seferovic and Elustondo among those starting. Villarreal boss Marcelino, meanwhile, recalls Giovani dos Santos, Javier Aquino and Gabriel Paulista. There is also a start for skipper Bruno following a spell on the sidelines.
Sociedad enter the match off the back of a 2-0 win over Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao at the weekend. That result kept them in fifth position in the table, but they are now just one point behind fourth-place Bilbao after 18 matches. Their home form, particularly in the league, has been very strong this season with six wins, two draws and just one defeat from their nine matches.
It would be fair to say that Sociedad struggled to balance league and Champions League football in the early part of the campaign and they indeed exited the European competition having failed to win a group match. That means they can now concentrate on the league, however, with another top-four finish firmly in their sights.
They were surprisingly knocked out of last season’s Copa del Rey in the early stages by lower league Cordoba, but they overcame Algeciras 5-1 on aggregate to book their spot in the fifth round this season. Sociedad have only won this particular competition once (1987), but have been runners-up on five occasions.
Villarreal, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga at the weekend. As it stands, they sit in sixth position in the table having won nine of their 18 matches and are just one point behind Sociedad. The Yellow Submarine also boast one of the strongest away records in La Liga this season having won five of their nine games on the road.
Villarreal were drawn against La Liga opposition in the fourth round this season, but booked their spot in the last-16 stage following a 3-2 aggregate win over Elche. They also have the third-best defensive away record in La Liga this season having conceded just nine times on their travels. In many ways, this is the most fascinating tie at this stage of the Copa del Rey.
PREDICTION: Both sides have impressed in the league this season, but neither are at full strength this evening. That said, there is still a lot of attacking talent on the field. I am not expecting too many goals, but I think Sociedad will have enough to secure a narrow win. My score prediction is 2-1 Sociedad.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come next week. Right, the away side get the first period underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. Positive start from the away side down the right as Pantic finds Giovani, but the Mexican cannot evade the capture of Griezmann, who immediately looks for Agirretxe down the other end. Bright early exchanges here.
Just a few signs that Sociedad are starting to warm to their task here as Castro finds some space down the right, but Jaume Costa is across to clear at the vital moment. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Giovani drives a low cross into the Sociedad box following a swift counter, but Zubikarai is on hand to collect.
Just a reminder that the second leg of this contest will be held at the El Madrigal next week. You just get the feeling that Villarreal need to take a positive result into that match. The home supporters continue to make their voices known, but there has been no real opportunities for their side in the opening six minutes of action.
Villarreal continue to pass and probe outside the Sociedad box with the likes of Aquino and Giovani both involved, but Sociedad have been firm in defence thus far. There is a pattern emerging, meanwhile, with Sociedad starting to dominate the possession and Villarreal attempting to break on the counter attack.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a number of late challenges, while a couple of offside decisions have further halted the tempo. There is no real flow to the match at the moment with both sides struggling to force the issue in the final third.
Villarreal force the issue with a couple of crosses into the Sociedad box, but Inigo Martinez and Mikel Gonzalez take it in turns to clear the danger. The away side are enjoying their best spell of the match in terms of possession, but Sociedad have plenty of men behind the ball.
A bright counter from Sociedad comes to nothing as Castro's long pass is cleared by Bruno at the vital moment. Villarreal continue to press high up the pitch and win a free kick just outside the area when Martinez fells Giovani, but the resulting set piece from the Mexican deflects high of the crossbar.
Seferovic remains the main target for Sociedad as they continue to play long balls towards the Swiss, but Griezmann has been unable to feed off the striker thus far. Aquino has moved more central for Villarreal, but has not seen too much of the ball.
Just a reminder that following this match we have action from the Spanish capital as Real Madrid welcome Osasuna - be sure to remain with us for that. Still not too much to report in this particular clash with both sides going through the motions. We are in need of some excitement here as the stop-start period continues.
Good pressure from Sociedad in the last couple of moments with Agirretxe dropping deeper and consequently seeing more of the ball, but the home side have been unable to find that elusive pass in the opening 22 minutes. The atmosphere has dropped inside the stadium, meanwhile, which is not too much of a surprise.
CHANCE! The first real chance of the match comes to Sociedad as Castro finds some space inside the box before delivering a cross, but Juan Carlos manages to palm clear. It falls to Griezmann moments later, but his effort is blocked. That has certainly raised the atmosphere, but the score remains level.
Sociedad continue to force the issue as Castro delivers another dangerous cross into the box, but Jokic is on hand to clear. Griezmann is once again available on the edge of the box, but cannot combine with Castro in a crowded area. Can the home side open the scoring during this positive period? The tempo has certainly risen.
Villarreal have just managed to stem the flow of pressure in the last couple of moments with a period of possession, but are still struggling to force the issue in the final third. Meanwhile, a series of late challenges have interrupted the tempo. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining at the San Sebastian.
Half-chance for Sociedad as Griezmann finds some space outside the box, but his effort is blocked by Jokic. Castro attempts an ambitious back-heel just outside the area moments later, but it comes to nothing. Neither side has impressed with their final ball thus far. It remains goalless with clear chances very much at a premium in this Copa del Rey encounter.
CHANCE! The clearest chance of the match by some distance falls to Villarreal as Pereira uses his pace to move clear of Martinez, but his low effort is saved by Zubikarai. Impressive work from the Mexican forward, but brilliant save from the Sociedad stopper.
Another half-chance for the away side as Aquino finds some space just outside the box before curling an effort towards goal, but it just moves wide of the post. The chances have started to arrive in the latter stages of the half. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Pereira as the Villarreal forward collects a wonderful pass from Bruno before turning inside the box, but his low effort is saved by Zubikarai once more. The home side have their goalkeeper to thank for this match still being goalless. Extremely nervy defending from Sociedad.
Griezmann tries his luck from outside the box after he collects a pass from Seferovic, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. After a slow start, this match has really opened up. Just a reminder that the second leg of this last-16 tie will take place at El Madrigal next week.
Jokic becomes the latest name to enter the referee's book for fouling Castro outside the Villarreal box. The resulting free kick is taken by Griezmann, but his effort is straight into the wall. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining. Sociedad continue to force the issue.
HALF-TIME: Sociedad 0-0 Villarreal
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. It took a little while for both teams to find their passing rhythm, but neither has been able to open the scoring despite a couple of clear opportunities.
STATISTICS: The home side have dominated the possession with 58%, but they have had just three attempts - none of which have been on target - to Villarreal's four. The best chance of the match fell to Pereira, but the Villarreal forward couldn't force his low effort into the bottom corner.
BENCH WATCH: Sociedad have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Carlos Vela, Ruben Pardo and Xabi Prieto. Meanwhile, Villarreal have the likes of Uche, Trigueros and Moi Gomez in reserve. There are certainly players that could influence proceedings.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Real Madrid against Osasuna - be sure to remain with us for that. Right, Sociedad get the second 45 minutes underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I would expect that to change if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. Castro has a sight of goal for the home side as he collects possession outside the box, but his effort is wide of the post.
In truth, a goalless draw would not be the worst result for either side this evening, but it would make Villarreal slight favourites in the second leg. The away side press forward with Giovani, but the Mexican's low cross is claimed by the Sociedad goalkeeper. Good tempo to the early stages of the second half at the San Sebastian.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with late challenges arriving from both sides. Castro is on the receiving end of a late one from Bruno, but the referee does not issue a card. The resulting free kick is played short, however, and comes to nothing.
Half-chance for Pina as the Villarreal midfielder meets a low cross from Costa, but he can only turn his effort wide of the post from close range. Castro thinks he has a clear sight of goal down the other end moments later, but the attacker is ruled offside. End-to-end football with 55 minutes on the clock in this Copa del Rey encounter.
Big penalty shout for Villarreal as Jose Angel appears to handle inside the box, but the referee is not interested. The Yellow Submarine have raised their tempo in the last couple of minutes with a period of pressure, but Sociedad manage to gain some respite when Seferovic gains a free kick just outside the box down the other end. Little over 30 minutes of the second period remaining.
The resulting free kick is taken by Castro, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. We are getting to the stage of the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg of his last-16 tie to come next week.
Half-chance for Villarreal as Paulista meets a low cross from Giovani, but his effort just whistles wide of the post. Moments later, Sociedad make their first change of the match with Prieto replacing Agirretxe, who struggled to influence proceedings this evening. I would be surprised if this match ended goalless with both teams now creating chances in the final third.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Griezmann finds himself unmarked inside the Villarreal box following a through pass from Prieto, but Juan Carlos is on hand to make a fine save. That is easily Sociedad's best chance of the evening. The Frenchman cannot continue his scoring run.
Villarreal make their first change of the match as 19-year-old Moi Gomez, who impressed against Rayo Vallecano on Monday evening, replaces Aquino for the final 25 minutes. Positive changes from both players. End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as the opportunities continue to arrive.
Villarreal make their second change as Costa is replaced by Trigueros. Meanwhile, Sociedad also look to their bench with Carlos Vela replacing Castro. Neither manager is settling for a draw as we approach the final 20 minutes. If it does remain goalless, the second leg next week promises to be an enthralling encounter.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Sociedad have started to enjoy more of the possession. Neither side has been able to take the lead during their spell of pressure. In truth, neither side deserves to be losing at this stage of proceedings, but there are still 20 minutes of football to play.
Another half-chance for the away side as Trigueros finds some space outside the box before rolling a cross towards Giovani, but Martinez is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner also causes problems inside the Sociedad box, but Zubikarai punches clear of the area.
Villarreal continue to force the issue as Giovani delivers a low cross into the box, but Angel turns high and wide of his own crossbar. Giovani has an opportunity from the resulting corner, but he slices wide of the post. One-way traffic with 75 minutes on the clock at the San Sebastian.
Sociedad make their third and final change as Ruben Pardo replaces Elustondo. Costa appears to have a slight problem for Villarreal moments later as he hits the deck following a high challenge with Prieto, but he does return to the field following a period of treatment. Little over 10 minutes of this Copa del Rey encounter.
Villarreal make their final change as Perbet, who scored twice in the league at the weekend, replaces Giovani, who has struggled to influence proceedings in the second period. The end-to-end period of the match continues with both sides forcing numbers forward. Is there to be late drama?
Another half-chance for Sociedad as Griezmann meets a deep cross from Vela, but the Frenchman can only fire his header high and wide of the crossbar. In truth, a goalless draw would not be the worst result for either side this evening and it would set things up nicely for the return leg next week. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sociedad to take the lead as Vela meets a deep cross from Angel, but his low effort is saved by Juan Carlos. You cannot say that both sides have not had chances to win this match.
Not good news for Villarreal as Costa is once more forced off the field with an injury. The defender did return following a period of treatment 10 minutes ago, but it appears that he has now departed for the remainder of the match. The away side have made all three changes and therefore will have to play with 10 men. The pressure continues from Sociedad, but Markel heads a Vela corner just wide of the post.
Costa has returned, which might mean a little bit of play-acting, which has not gone down well with the home supporters. Villarreal into the Sociedad half with Perbet, but the Frenchman cannot find a teammate inside the box. It remains goalless after 89 minutes.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. It does appear that this match will end goalless as both sides continue to struggle to find that elusive pass in the final third. It is Villarreal with possession in the Sociedad half.
CHANCE! Villarreal also win it in the final minute as Pereira drives into the Sociedad box, but his low effort is blocked by goalkeeper Zubikarai, who has had a fine match for Sociedad.
FULL-TIME: Sociedad 0-0 Villarreal
So there we have it. The first leg ends all square between Sociedad and Villarreal. The second leg of the last-16 clash will take place next week. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Real Madrid against Osasuna. Until then!
