Real Sociedad Secure Record-Equalling Europa League Victory
Real Sociedad delivered a commanding performance in the UEFA Europa League, defeating Lillestrøm 6-0 away from home. The emphatic victory marked their first league-phase win of the season and equalled the club’s biggest ever away triumph in European competition, a record previously set in 2017 with another 6-0 win against Vardar.
The Spanish side’s attacking prowess was on full display, with Sergio Gómez leading the charge by scoring two goals. His brace makes him Real Sociedad’s top scorer in this season’s Europa League campaign. Luka Sučić also contributed significantly with two goals, while Orri Steinn Óskarsson and Arsen Zakharyan each added a goal to complete the rout.
Match Details and Key Moments
Real Sociedad quickly established control, with Sergio Gómez finding the net in the 25th and 27th minutes. Luka Sučić extended their lead further in the 33rd minute, giving the visitors a comfortable advantage going into half-time. Lillestrøm had an opportunity to respond early in the second half, but Thomas Lehne Olsen missed a penalty in the 50th minute, a moment that could have shifted the momentum.
The visitors continued their dominance, with Orri Steinn Óskarsson scoring in the 64th minute. Sučić then netted his second goal of the match in the 72nd minute, before Arsen Zakharyan sealed the comprehensive victory with a goal in the 80th minute.
Despite the wide margin, underlying statistics suggested a closer contest in some aspects. Real Sociedad recorded 16 shots to Lillestrøm’s 14, and held 56% possession. However, Real Sociedad’s clinical finishing was evident, with 8 shots on target compared to Lillestrøm’s 2.
Competition Context and Upcoming Fixtures
This victory provides a significant boost for Real Sociedad, who had a challenging start to their Europa League campaign. They previously suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth on matchday one and followed it with a 1-1 draw away against Union SG on matchday two. For Lillestrøm, the defeat compounds a difficult start, having lost 2-1 at home to Torreense and drawn 1-1 at Sparta Praha in their earlier group stage matches.
Real Sociedad will now turn their attention back to domestic duties, with a La Liga fixture against Levante scheduled for October 25. Looking ahead in their European calendar, the club has further group stage matches including an away trip to Crystal Palace on November 26, a home game against Torreense on December 10, and a final league-phase match away to Juventus on January 28, 2027.