The second leg of the last-16 Copa del Rey clash between Villarreal and Real Sociedad took place at El Madrigal this evening.
The two sides played out a goalless draw in the first leg last week, but Villarreal were 5-1 winners in this stadium when the pair met in the league on Monday evening.
Sociedad went ahead on the night through Javi Ros in the first period, with that goal enough to send the away side into the quarter-finals.
Villarreal had the chance to level in the latter stages from the penalty spot, but Jeremy Perbet fired high and wide of the target.
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 Villarreal welcome Real Sociedad in the second leg. These two sides must be getting sick of the sight of each other having clashed twice in the last week. As mentioned, this particularly tie is delicately poised following a goalless draw in the first leg at San Sebastian last week.
In terms of the previous meetings between the two sides, three of the last five matches have ended in draws, while Villarreal have won twice during that run of matches. The pair met in the league at El Madrigal on Monday evening and the home side made light work of Sociedad, with Giovani dos Santos scoring twice in a 5-1 win.
TEAMS:
VILLARREAL: Carlos; Pantic, Musacchio, Gabriel, Jokic; Bruno, Pina, Gomez; Perez, Perbet, Pereira
SOCIEDAD: Zubikarai; C Martinez, I Martinez, Anso, Angel; Gaztanaga, Ros, Elustondo, Prieto; Seferovic, Castro
So there we have it. Villarreal boss Marcelino makes a number of changes to his first XI with Hernan Perez, Jonathan Pereira, Jeremy Perbet and Juan Carlos among those coming into the team, but Giovani dos Santos misses out with a stomach bug. Sociedad, meanwhile, leave Antoine Griezmann and Carlos Vela on their bench, but skipper Xabi Prieto and Haris Seferovic both start.
The three points for Villarreal on Monday moved them into fifth spot in the table. They have won 10 of their 19 matches on their return to La Liga and now sit just two points off the top four. They have impressed on their own patch with five wins, but have also won five times on the road, demonstrating their incredible adaptability this season.
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. Their defensive record this campaign will also hand them confidence this evening. As it stands, they have the joint-third best defence in La Liga having conceded just 21 goals – only Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have conceded less.
Sociedad, meanwhile, 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.
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. However, they are firmly in the battle for top four in La Liga again this season. As it stands, they sit in sixth spot, four points behind fourth-place Athletic Bilbao.
It has been a case of home comforts for Sociedad this season, however, with the majority of their points coming on their home patch. In La Liga, they have lost just one of their nine matches at home, winning six times in the process. However, they have lost four of their 10 games on the road and picked up just three wins.
PREDICTION: Neither side is at full strength this evening, but there is plenty of attacking talent on display. The fact that Villarreal are at home is pushing me towards them, but I would not be surprised if this went all the way to extra-time. My score prediction is 0-0, with Villarreal to win on penalties.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder that there must be a winner this evening. Only a goalless draw would take us into extra-time. Right, the away side get the first period underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. Just a reminder that one goal for Sociedad would leave Villarreal needing to score twice. The winner of this match will play Segunda B side Racing Santander in the quarter-finals. Therefore there is a serious opportunity for one of these two sides to reach the final four.
Bright start from the away side as Jose Angel breaks down the right before delivering a dangerous cross towards Castro, but Gabriel is on hand to clear the danger. Another cross arrives from Angel moments later, but Jokic hooks clear. Not too much from Villarreal inside four minutes at El Madrigal.
Shooting opportunity for Sociedad as Ros collects possession outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Villarreal enjoy a spell of possession moments later, but Pantic's low cross is hooked clear by Inigo Martinez. Still goalless with six minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Villarreal as Jokic finds Pereira down the left. The Spaniard delivers a dangerous cross towards Perbet, but Ansotegi just manages to clear at the vital moment. Pereira has a shooting opportunity inside the box moments later, but Angel makes the block. End-to-end football with nine minutes on the clock. Plenty of attacking intent from both sides.
The home side are starting to grow in this match with Sociedad pinned into their own penalty area. Pereira's pace opens up space inside the Sociedad box, but his low cross is collected by Zubikarai. It must be said that the pitch is in perfect condition, which will suit both sides.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Sociedad enjoying an extended spell of possession. Neither side has been able to find that elusive pass in the final third inside 13 minutes at El Madrigal. As it stands, we would head for extra-time. However, there is a still a lot football to be played.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with late challenges arriving from both sides. Villarreal have taken charge of the possession once more, but Sociedad are compact in defence. The home supporters, meanwhile, are doing their best to raise the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Half-chance for Perbet this time as the Villarreal forward out-muscles Ansotegi inside the box before clipping an effort towards the far post, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. Not too much in terms of opportunities for Sociedad, however, who have faded after a bright start.
Opportunity for Sociedad to threaten from a free kick as Castro whips a cross towards the far post, but Jokic is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Villarreal break immediately with Perez, who works the ball back inside, but the move breaks down outside the box. That has been the story of the half thus far.
Stop-start period of the match in the last few moments as Jokic is forced to leave the field after clashing with Prieto. The latter whips another free kick into the Villarreal box moments later, but Juan Carlos collects with ease. Still no real opportunities for either side in this Copa del Rey encounter.
Jokic finally returns to the field after receiving treatment for his split lip. Sociedad had a half-chance moments before with Seferovic driving into the box, but his effort was deflected behind for a corner. Good spell of pressure from the away side in the last couple of minutes.
Safe to say that the referee is not winning too many friends in the crowd this evening as he books Jokic for an earlier incident. Moments later, Pereira turns and shoots inside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. Pereira is involved moments later, but is penalised for a late challenge on Angel.
It isn't quite happening in the final third for Villarreal at the moment as Pina picks up a good position outside the box, but fails to find the run of Perbet. Just a reminder that a 0-0 draw would take this match into extra-time following a goalless draw in the first leg last week. Little over 15 minutes of the half remaining.
Villarreal continue to pass and probe outside the Sociedad box with Moi Gomez and Pina both involved, but again the final pass is intercepted by a blue and white shirt. Sociedad break down the other end with Seferovic, but his low cross is straight into the arms of Juan Carlos.
Jokic just needs to be a little bit careful here as he makes a couple of late challenges despite already collecting a yellow card in the early stages. Both sides are attempting to force the issue in the final third, but the quality has not been there thus far. No real surprise with both sides without a number of key players.
GOAL! Villarreal 0-1 Sociedad (Ros)
Sociedad take the lead after 32 minutes as Ros reacts first to a loose save from Juan Carlos to finish in the top corner. Questions will be asked about the goalkeeper - he made a meal of a fairly tame effort from Prieto.
That is a massive goal in the context of this match. Villarreal now need to score twice to be sure of a spot in the next round. In truth, that was the first time either side had really threatened. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining at El Madrigal.
The home side's frustration continues as the referee awards Sociedad a number of free kicks in quick succession. Villarreal just need to be a little bit careful here as they continue to commit players forward. Another goal for Sociedad would make them huge favourites at this stage of proceedings. Surely Villarreal need to register the next goal.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sociedad to score their second as Elustondo finds himself unmarked inside the Villarreal box, but Musacchio is across to clear at the vital moment. Wonderful challenge from the Argentine centre-back. The pressure is all coming from Sociedad with 40 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for Sociedad as Castro delivers a dangerous free kick from the edge of the box, but Juan Carlos is on hand to claim at the vital moment. Villarreal break down the other end with Pereira, who finds Pantic, but his low cross is cleared. It has been a nervy period for Villarreal stopper Juan Carlos in the last few moments.
Good pressure from Villarreal in the latter stages of the half as Gomez twice delivers low crosses into the box, but Inigo Martinez and Angel take it in turns to clear the danger. Can the Yellow Submarine force an equaliser before the break?
HALF-TIME: Villarreal 0-1 Sociedad
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Sociedad leading 1-0 on the night and indeed in the tie courtesy of a strike from Ros after 32 minutes. As it stands, Villarreal need to score twice to advance into the quarter-finals.
STATISTICS: Villarreal have just shaded the possession with 55% this evening, but they have managed just two attempts, both of which have been off target. Sociedad, meanwhile, have hit the target three times from their five attempts. Just the one card, however, with Jokic entering the referee's book after 24 minutes for Villarreal.
BENCH WATCH: The home side are without Giovani through illness this evening, but they still have the likes of Javier Aquino and Uche on their bench. Sociedad, meanwhile, also have attacking options in the shape of Vela, Griezmann and Agirretxe.
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 Getafe against Barcelona - be sure to remain with us for that. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect changes will occur if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. Sociedad have kept just one clean sheet on their travels this season, which will hand Villarreal confidence. Slightly untidy start to the second half with both sides losing possession in quick succession.
It's good work from Jokic as the Villarreal left-back finds Aquino with a deep cross at the far post, but the Mexican cannot move past the challenge of Inigo Martinez. Sociedad break down the other end moments later with Ros, but his cross is cleared by Pantic. End-to-end football with 50 minutes on the clock.
Villarreal have been poor in possession this evening there is no question about that. They are one of the best sides with the ball in La Liga, but that has not been the case in this match. They are missing key players, but even the likes of Bruno has disappointed. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances, but both are committing numbers in the final third.
Good pressure from Villarreal in the last couple of moments as Pereira wins two corners in quick succession. However, Inigo Martinez and Carlos Martinez take it in turns to clear the danger. Just a reminder that Villarreal need to score twice this evening. Perez almost has the first as he thumps one from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the crossbar.
Again it's bright work from Pereira as the Spaniard twists and turns on the edge of the box before driving a low cross towards Perbet, but Inigo Martinez clears once more. The pressure is rising from Villarreal, but clear chances have been at a premium. Little over 30 minutes of the second period remaining as Gomez strikes straight at Zubikarai from outside the box.
Not too much in terms of attacking pressure from Sociedad in the last few moments with the away side leaving Seferovic as their only option in the final third. It is inviting Villarreal on, but the home side have been unable to unlock the door thus far. We are getting to the stage where both managers will be thinking about changes.
Villarreal do indeed make their first change of the match as Aquino replaces Perez. It is shortly followed by their second as Marino replaces Pantic. A teasing cross from Pereira comes into the Sociedad box moments later, but once more Inigo Martinez rises to clear. He has been terrific this evening.
Sociedad make their first change of the match and it is the goal scorer that departs with Ros replaced by Zurutuza, who will provide a little bit more invention in the middle of the park. Villarreal continue to press forward with numbers, but they cannot find a way through this Sociedad defence.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Villarreal have the ball in the back of the net following a corner, but the linesman raises his flag with Musacchio in an offside position. The home side make their third and final change moments later with their leading scorer Uche replacing Gomez.
Little over 20 minutes remaining and Villarreal need to score twice to remain in the competition. Just a reminder that the winner of this match will face third-tier side Racing Santander in the quarter-finals. Following this match, we have action from the Spanish capital as Getafe welcome Barcelona.
Sociedad make their second change of the match with 20 minutes remaining as Mexican forward Carlos Vela replaces Seferovic, who has led the line impressively despite receiving limited service. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Villarreal continue to force the issue.
No real atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment with Sociedad comfortable in dealing with each threat from Villarreal. There is no doubt that the loss of Giovani to illness has harmed the home side's chances this evening. Sociedad are also without key personnel, but they have been solid in defence. Little over 15 minutes remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Villarreal as Perbet meets a cross from Aquino, but the Frenchman can only head straight into the arms of Zubikarai. The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with late challenges arriving from both sides.
PENALTY TO VILLARREAL!
Villarreal are awarded a penalty as Uche is felled inside the box by Ansotegi. Big chance for the home side to put themselves back in the tie.
MISS! Oh my word! Perbet fires his spot kick high and wide of the target. Is that Villarreal's chance gone? What a let-off for Sociedad.
Handbags between both sets of players as Juan Carlos fells Vela off the ball, which leads to a number of players offering their opinion to the referee. However, the official takes no action. Sociedad have a free kick moments later, but Jokic is on hand to clear the danger. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
The pressure continues from Villarreal as they force two corners in quick succession, but once more both deliveries are short of the required standard. Musacchio does have a half-chance moments later from close range, but he turns wide of the post under pressure from Castro.
Sociedad make their third and final change as their leading scorer Griezmann replaces Castro for he final eight minutes or so. Just a reminder that Villarreal need to score twice in the latter stages to remain in the competition. That penalty miss might cost them this evening.
Another half-chance for the home side as Pereira finds himself unmarked inside the Sociedad box, but the Spaniard thrashes his effort into the side netting. It just has not happened for the home side this evening. Time is running out. As it stands, Sociedad will face Racing Santander in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.
Half-chances at both ends as Sociedad attacker Griezmann delivers a cross into the arms of Juan Carlos, before the Frenchman makes a fine clearance from a low Bruno delivery moments later. Another half-chance for Villarreal arrives from a set piece, but Aquino's delivery is cleared off the line.
It's brilliant work from Vela as the Mexican carries the ball the length of the field before winning a throw, which wastes more precious minutes. The home side attempt to force it down the other end through Perbet, but once more Sociedad clear. Little over one minute of normal time remaining.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. The home supporters have started to make their way toward the exits. The Yellow Submarine need two goals in the final minute to advance, but they cannot keep the ball.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Vela to score Sociedad's second as he breaks through on goal before attempting to chip Juan Carlos, but the Villarreal stopper makes the save.
FULL-TIME: Villarreal 0-1 Sociedad
So there we have it. Sociedad are through to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey following a 1-0 win over Villarreal. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Getafe against Barcelona. Until then!
