MADRID — Carlos Vela scored a hat trick to give Real Sociedad a 3-0 win against Elche and new coach David Moyes his first win in the Spanish league on Friday.
Vela headed in the opener inside the near post in the third minute after a cross from Carlos Martinez on the flank.
Vela then collected a long pass by Xavi Prieto, ran forward and fired left-footed into goal in the 31st before completing his hat trick in the 54th by stabbing the ball through defender David Rodriguez’s legs and into the net off the far post.
The win came as former Manchester United coach Moyes made his debut at Anoeta, his new home stadium.
"After the last few matches when we had many doubts and bad moments, a game like this where we won comfortably was well received by the fans, something we hope to repeat," Vela said. "What’s important now is for the team to put together a good spell so we can go forward."
The win enabled Sociedad to rise from the relegation zone to 12th in the standings.
"They are very motivated because they have a new coach and wanted to create good feelings in their own ground," said Elche defender Sergio Pelegrin.
