Real Sociedad have ended a six-match run without a win in La Liga, beating Levante 3-0 at Estadio Anoeta this evening.
The home side thought that they had broken the deadlock just a few minutes after kickoff when Carlos Vela slotted the ball in from close range, but the striker was offside as the ball was played in, forcing the referee to rule it out.
David Moyes's men were in front less than quarter of an hour in though, as Yuri Berchiche chipped the ball forward to Alfred Finnbogason after drawing the keeper off the line, leaving his teammate with a simple tap into an empty net.
Esteban Granero had a chance to make it two before half time when he lined up a free kick after Loukas Vyntra had tripped the midfielder, but his effort was too high.
Junior Simao pressed for an equaliser at the start of the second half for the visitors, but his header was rushed, leaving the ball flying well high of the crossbar.
The miss allowed the hosts to double their advantage as Ruben Pardo curled the ball in from a corner down the other end moments later, leaving Markel Bergara to rise highest and nod it in.
The home side continued to press as Joseba Zaldua forced a corner soon after, but Vela could not find any of his teammates from the delivery. Vela also tried his luck from distance a few minutes later, only to see his strike unintentionally blocked by one of his teammates.
Levante started to see more of the ball in the final 15 minutes as they tried to give themselves hope of a comeback, but Loukas Vyntra blasted the ball high from a corner, before Jose Morales saw his cross cleared.
Morales was involved again inside the final 10 minutes as another promising delivery from the winger was turned behind for a corner, but Tono's effort from the resulting set piece was blocked.
Levante were punished for their missed chances with just a few minutes remaining as Juanfran gave away a free kick in a dangerous position, allowing Vela to powerfully curl the ball in directly from the set piece to put the win beyond doubt.
The result moves Sociedad up to 11th in the table, while Levante stay 15th.
Sian Cowper
