Lazio Cruise Past 10-Man Real Sociedad in Europa League Victory

Lazio secured a comfortable 3-1 win over Real Sociedad in a Europa League clash that was effectively decided within the first 45 minutes. The game began at a frantic pace, with Lazio taking the lead just five minutes in. Taty Castellanos nodded a ball into the path of Mario Gila, who rifled home from close range to make it 1-0.

Despite chances for both sides in the following 25 minutes, it was Lazio who capitalized again. The turning point came in the 30th minute when Real Sociedad were reduced to 10 men after Aihen Muñoz received a second yellow card for a foul on Gustav Isaksen. Lazio wasted no time in taking advantage of the numerical superiority.

Two minutes later, Mattia Zaccagni doubled Lazio’s lead with a composed right-footed finish into the bottom corner. The hosts extended their lead to 3-0 just moments after, as Castellanos headed in a precise cross from Tavares, leaving goalkeeper Álex Remiro with no chance.

The second half turned into a formality, with Real Sociedad retreating deep into their half to avoid further damage. Interestingly, the 10-man visitors managed to grab a consolation goal late in the match. After Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas parried a shot, Ander Barrenetxea reacted quickest to nod the ball into the net.

The game ended 3-1 in Lazio’s favor, with the hosts producing an xG of 1.60 compared to Sociedad’s 1.58, a testament to their efficient finishing in the first half. This dominant performance puts Lazio in a strong position in their Europa League campaign.

For Real Sociedad, it was a night to forget as they struggled to cope after the early red card. Meanwhile, Lazio will take confidence from this convincing win as they continue their quest for European success.