Espanyol v Real Sociedad
Asier Illarramendi's blast lifts Real Sociedad into fourth place
Asier Illarramendi's unstoppable long-distance strike sealed Real Sociedad's 2-1 win at Espanyol on Friday, lifting the Basque club into fourth place in La Liga.
Sociedad forward Carlos Vela opened the scoring in the 26th minute after a deft control of Inigo Martinez's long forward lob.
Espanyol forward Hernan Perez leveled for the hosts nine minutes later when he eluded two defenders in the box before firing over goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
But on the hour mark, Illarramendi poached an errant pass by Espanyol defender David Lopez and didn't hesitate to launch a powerful shot from well outside the area.
His first goal of the season was a beauty: a dipping line-drive strike that left goalie Diego Lopez flat-footed as it landed in the corner of this goal.
The result at least temporarily moved Sociedad ahead of Atletico Madrid , who reclaim fourth with a victory over Celta Vigo on Sunday.
The loss ended a run of three straight victories for Espanyol, who are eighth.
Head-To-Head
Game Information
Barcelona, Spain
Spanish LALIGA Standings
| Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alavés | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Athletic Club | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Atlético Madrid | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Barcelona | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Celta Vigo | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Deportivo La Coruña | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Elche | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Espanyol | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Getafe | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Levante | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Málaga | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osasuna | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Racing Santander | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rayo Vallecano | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Real Betis | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Real Madrid | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Real Sociedad | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sevilla | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Valencia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Villarreal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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