MADRID – Real Sociedad stormed to its biggest win of the season when it overwhelmed Espanyol 5-0 in the Spanish league on Monday.
Mexico forward Carlos Vela stunned Espanyol’s defence when he hit a long pass for Brazilian striker Jonathas to open the scoring in the fifth minute and then hit the back of the net himself for Sociedad’s second two minutes later.
Sociedad came out strong in the second half and 18-year-old attacking midfielder Mikel Oyarzabal proved a thorn for Espanyol’s defence when he played a one-two with Ruben Pardo before netting the third in the 52nd minute.
"We learned from our errors against Sporting Gijon," said Sociedad coach Eusebio Sacristan, referring to his club’s 5-1 away loss in round 21. "Now we’re really concentrated and we have to continue working hard and improving. This was an important victory."
Diego Reyes headed Sociedad’s fourth three minutes later and Jonathas added a fifth in the 89th.
Sociedad rise to 11th in the standings on 27 points, five clear of Espanyol in 17th.