Real Sociedad travelled to the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes on Saturday knowing that three points against Granada would move them above Villarreal and into fifth spot in the La Liga table.
Carlos Vela's brave finish sent Sociedad into the lead after 29 minutes, but Granada were level less than 10 minutes later when Piti's long-range strike found the back of the net.
Sociedad were not finished in the first period, however, as Antoine Griezmann's 11th league goal of the season left them 2-1 ahead at the interval.
Granada had chances to equalise in the early stages of the second half, but Vela's second of the match after 64 minutes extended Sociedad's lead.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes as Granada welcome Real Sociedad. As it stands, the home side sit 10th in the table on 20 points, while Sociedad, who have overcome a poor start to the season, occupy sixth position on 26 points from their 16 matches.
Granada have struggled on their own patch this season with two wins and six defeats in the league, while they have scored just six times in the process. Much of Sociedad’s success in recent weeks has been built on strong home form, but they have secured positive results on the road with two wins, three draws and three defeats.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Granada have won two of the last five, with Sociedad winning once and the further two matches ending in draws. The corresponding match last season ended in a goalless draw, while the points were also shared in a 2-2 draw at Sociedad in May 2013.
TEAMS:
GRANADA: Roberto; Angulo, Mainz, Murillo, Foulquier; Yebda, Iturra, Brahimi, Rico; Piti, El-Arabi
REAL SOCIEDAD: Bravo; C Martinez, Ansotegi, I Martinez, Angel; Bergara, Prieto, Pardo; Agirretxe, Vela, Griezmann
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Granada XI this evening with El-Arabi paired with Piti in attack. Foulquier also returns to the team at left-back. Sociedad, meanwhile, start with Agirretxe, Vela and Griezmann in a three-pronged attack. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Spain. Let's hope for goals.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. Three points for Sociedad would move them into fifth position this evening following Villarreal's defeat to Sevilla earlier this afternoon. However, Granada will have something to say about that in front of a passionate home crowd.
The first effort of the match is from Rico as the Granada midfielder strikes one from outside the box, but Bravo is on hand to make a comfortable save. The home side enjoy a period of extended possession moments later, but the move breaks down when Iturra fails in his attempts to slide a pass towards El-Arabi.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the early exchanges with both sides fully committing to a number of challenges. A clash of heads between Mainz and Agirretxe stops the play, but both players are deemed fit to continue. Not too much to report in terms of chances inside the opening six minutes.
Neither side has really been allowed to settle in the early stages with both guilty of some poor passing in the final third. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match. There have been no clear opportunities or real spells of attacking pressure from either side in the opening nine minutes.
Good spell of possession for Granada as they pass and probe outside the Sociedad box, but they are finding it difficult to break through a stern defence. Foulquier's pace takes him down the left for the home side moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of Bravo, before Roberto is forced to collect a cross from Vela down the other end.
The home supporters are doing their best to raise the atmosphere inside the stadium, but matters on the field are not reflecting those in the stands. Prieto has a sight of goal moments later as the Sociedad midfielder collects a loose ball outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
Untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with a series of free kicks interrupting the flow of the match. Meanwhile, both linesman have been busy with their flags. Agirretxe has possession for Sociedad outside the Granada box moments later, but the move breaks down following a poor touch.
CHANCE! First clear opening for the home side as Piti delivers a sensational cross into the Sociedad box, but Yebda cannot make contact under pressure from Carlos Martinez. Any touch would have surely taken that past Bravo and into the back of the net. Better from Granada in the last few moments.
A poor pass from Pardo hands Granada a half-chance as Brahimi eventually collects possession in a wide area, but his effort is straight into the arms of Bravo. Sociedad attempt to break down the other end with Vela, but the Mexican asks too much from Griezmann, who has struggled to influence proceedings thus far.
Well, 22 minutes on the clock and in truth, not too much has happened. Granada have dominated possession and had a couple of half-chances, but we have seen little from Sociedad. Griezmann turns provider for Vela moments later, but once more the pass is too strong. Still goalless at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes.
CHANCE! First opportunity of the match for Sociedad as Vela finds Griezmann inside the Granada box, but the Frenchman's effort is saved by Roberto at his far post. El-Arabi tests Bravo with one from distance down the other end, but the Sociedad stopper makes the save. Chances at either end.
Half-chance for Angulo as the Granada defender curls one from outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. The match has just started to open up in the last few moments, but neither has really done enough to deserve to be leading at this stage of proceedings. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in this La Liga contest.
CHANCE! Wonderful strike from Sociedad midfielder Bergara after the Spaniard found some space outside the box, but Roberto is on hand to make a fine save. The resulting corner is whipped in by Pardo, but the home side deal with the danger. After a slow start, chances are starting to arrive.
GOAL! Granada 0-1 Real Sociedad (Vela)
Sociedad take the lead with 29 minutes on the clock as Vela collects a through pass from Griezmann before poking his effort past the onrushing Roberto. Granada are not happy as they had Brahimi on the ground, but the goal is given. Sociedad draw first blood here.
Good response from Granada as El-Arabi finds some space outside the Sociedad box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Bravo is on hand to make the save. Sensational atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment with both sets of supporters making their voices heard. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Another half-chance for the home side as Piti drives past two defenders before striking towards goal, but Inigo Martinez is on hand to make a fine block. El-Arabi tumbles inside the box moments later, but the referee is not interested. Incredible intensity to the match at the moment as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides.
Another half-chance for Granada as Brahimi strikes one from distance, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Prieto looks for the run of Vela down the other end moments later, but Mainz is across to clear the danger. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining in Granada.
GOAL! Granada 1-1 Real Sociedad (Piti)
Granada level with 37 minutes on the clock as Piti strikes a dipping effort from the edge of the box. Plenty of power in the shot from the Spaniard, but questions must be asked about Bravo. The Chilean, in my opinion, should have saved it.
After a slow start, this match has burst into life. Sociedad respond with a couple of deep crosses into the Granada box, but Mainz has been aerially dominant thus far. The pressure continues from the away side as Angel gains a free kick, but once more the high ball is cleared. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining in this La Liga contest.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Vela to score his second as the Mexican forward meets a header from Agirretxe at the far post, but somehow Roberto is on hand to make a fine save at the vital moment. That should have been Vela's second of the match.
GOAL! Granada 1-2 Real Sociedad (Griezmann)
Sociedad regain the lead with 43 minutes on the clock as Griezmann meets a loose ball just inside the box before thumping his effort into the bottom corner. The Frenchman now has 11 league goals for the season. What an incredible last 15 minutes to this La Liga contest.
Half-chance for the home side as Foulquier strikes one from the edge of the box, but Bravo is on hand to make the save to his left. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period.
HALF TIME: Granada 1-2 Real Sociedad
So there we have it. Carlos Vela's brave finish sent Sociedad into the lead after 29 minutes, but Granada were level less than 10 minutes later when Piti's long-range strike found the back of the net. Sociedad were not finished in the first period, however, as Antoine Griezmann's 11th league goal of the season left them 2-1 ahead at the interval. The match exploded into life after a fairly slow start.
STATISTICS: Granada have had more of the possession with 58%, while they have had eight attempts to Sociedad's five. In truth, not too much happened in the opening 25 minutes of football, but that was not the case in the latter stages of the half. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Piti, Pereira and Ighalo. Meanwhile, Sociedad have the likes of Castro, Seferovic and Zubikarai in reserve. That said, it would be a surprise if either manager altered proceedings at the interval.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Sociedad would move into fifth position in the table. However, I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in Granada. Right, the away side get the second 45 minutes of action underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide the final result. It is difficult to imagine Granada could recover from 3-1 behind, but a leveller would hand them the incentive as the second period gathers pace.
Opportunity for Sociedad to threaten from a free kick as Iturra fells Pardo outside the Granada box. The resulting set piece is taken by Griezmann, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Meanwhile, Granada are forced into a change in the early stages of the half as Yebda is replaced by Recio.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sociedad to score their third as Griezmann and Vela combine before finding Agirretxe, but Roberto makes a fine save to deny the Spanish striker. Granada are down the other end moments later, but Brahimi's dipping effort is saved by Bravo.
Recio picks up a yellow card for a poor challenge on Angel in the middle of the park. The Granada midfielder has not been on the field for long, but has already made his mark. End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes with Brahimi the main outlet for the home side. Surely we have not seen the last of the goals this evening.
Brahimi continues to threaten for the home side as he cuts inside two defenders before curling an effort towards the top corner, but once more Bravo is on hand to make the save. Iturra leads another attack for Granada moments later, but Inigo Martinez clears the danger. Little under 35 minutes of football remaining.
Angulo takes matters into his own hands moments later as he combines with El-Arabi before striking towards goal, but his left-footed strike is wide of the post. We are getting to the stage in the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. Both teams have plenty of options in reserve.
CHANCE! El-Arabi comes close to levelling as the Granada forward meets a low cross from Foulquier, but the striker can only turn his effort wide of the post from close range. The chances are starting to arrive for the home side with 60 minutes on the clock.
Little under 30 minutes of football remaining and Sociedad still lead by the odd goal in three. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Granada look the more threatening in the final third. Griezmann has a sight of goal for Sociedad as he meets a cross from Angel, but his header was always dropping wide of the post.
Just a reminder that three points for Sociedad would move them into fifth spot in the table. However, you just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening. Griezmann has another sight of goal as he meets another cross from Angel, but his effort is cleared by Carlos Martinez. No movement on either bench at the moment, which is a surprise.
GOAL! Granada 1-3 Real Sociedad (Vela)
Sociedad score their third after 64 minutes as Bergara finds Vela on the edge of the box. The Mexican takes one touch before smashing his effort into the top corner. Stunning strike from the former Arsenal forward. Is that game over?
CHANCE! Strong response from the home side as Recio finds some space outside the box before attempting to find the top corner with a powerful strike, but Bravo is on hand to make a fine save. Even at 3-1 this match is not over. Granada made their second change as Riki replaces Iturra, which is not a popular decision with the home supporters.
Another half-chance for the home side as Piti strikes another one from distance, but his effort is wide of the post. Little over 20 minutes for Granada to find at least two goals in this match. As it stands, Sociedad will sit fifth at the end of the evening courtesy of their fourth consecutive league win.
CHANCE! Granada come close to scoring their second as Brahimi's effort from the edge of the box hits his own teammate Murillo, but it just rolls the wrong side of the post. The home side continue to threaten as we enter the last 20 minutes. There is still time for this to change.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Granada continue to force the issue with a series of crosses into the box, but Sociedad repel the danger once more. Little over 15 minutes of normal time remaining in Granada.
Granada continue to dominate possession in the Sociedad half, but they are finding it difficult to force the issue in the final third. Sociedad are not too interested in attacking at the moment as they continue to drop deeper and deeper. Piti has another strike from inside the box, but his effort is wide of the post.
Granada want a penalty as Riki tumbles inside the Sociedad box, but the Spaniard is booked for simulation. It is a harsh decision in my view. Granada make their third change moments later as Ighalo replaces El-Arabi, which is not a popular decision with the home supporters. Little over 10 minutes of this match remaining.
Half-chance for Sociedad to score their fourth on the counter as Vela finds Angel down the left, but his cross is punched clear by Roberto. Granada are down the other end with Brahimi moments later, but Carlos Martinez makes the challenge. End-to-end football with little under 10 minutes of football remaining in this La Liga contest.
Brahimi tries his luck from outside the box once more, but his effort smashes into the side netting. In fairness to the home supporters, they have stuck with their side this evening, but it does appear that their poor home record this season will continue. Ighalo wins another corner, but once more the danger is cleared by Carlos Martinez.
Another half-chance for Granada as Murillo meets a corner from Rico, but his effort is deflected over the crossbar. The resulting set piece also causes problems inside the Sociedad box, but the danger is eventually cleared. Time is running out for the home side as Sociedad continue to run down the clock. The away side make their first change as Elustondo replaces Agirretxe.
It just is not happening for Granada in the final third as Recio's through pass asks too much from Riki. Not too much in terms of attacking pressure from Sociedad in the last few moments, but that is not a surprise. They are attempting to close this one out. It has been some response from Sociedad after a poor start to the season.
Sociedad make their second change of the match as Seferovic replaces Griezmann, who has had another impressive evening. The Frenchman now has 11 league goals for the season. Piti has a half-chance for Granada from close range moments later, but can only poke wide. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those.
Granada continue to force the issue with a series of long balls into the Sociedad box, but they just cannot find that elusive pass in the final third. Sociedad are just moments away from another vital three points. The away side make their third and final change as Pardo is replaced by Javi Ros.
FULL TIME: Granada 1-3 Real Sociedad
So there we have it. Sociedad pick up their fourth league win in a row with a 3-1 success over Granada. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us tomorrow for more La Liga football. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
