MADRID: Real Sociedad continued their revival since changing coaches by beating visiting Espanyol, 3-2, on Monday, despite finishing the game with 10 men.

Brazilian striker Willian Jose scored twice, including a 63rd-minute winner, after Sociedad relinquished a two-goal lead. The hosts held on to victory despite playing the final 20 minutes a man down because of a second yellow card to midfielder Mikel Merino.

Since firing Asier Garitano at the end of December, the San Sebastian club, under interim manager Imanol Alguacil, have taken seven points from three matches andclimbed to eight in the table. The victory meant they overtook Espanyol who dropped to 10th, a point behind.

Sociedad beat Real Madrid 2-0 at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium a week ago but were coming off two consecutive losses at their Anoeta Stadium, where they have struggled since the venue was re-inaugurated this season after renovations.

Merino opened the scoring for Sociedad only three minutes into the match, and Jose quickly added to the lead by converting an eighth-minute penalty.

Espanyol’s Brazilian defender Naldo replied with a headed goal in the 32nd minute and an own-goal by Sociedad defender Diego Llorente just before halftime levelled matters but Jose gave the hosts the win by getting behind the defenders to complete a pass from Merino with a soft touch from close range.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2019