Alexis Sanchez Strikes Late to Lift Sevilla Out of Relegation Zone

Key facts

• Sevilla defeated Real Sociedad 1-0 at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium on May 4, 2026.
• Alexis Sanchez scored the winning goal as a half-time substitute, his clinical strike coming in the 50th minute.
• Sevilla climbed to 17th place with 37 points, two points clear of the relegation zone.
• Real Sociedad remain 9th with 43 points, having won only three away league matches all season.
• The victory was only Sevilla's second LaLiga win in nine matches (D2, L5).
• Gabriel Suazo was named Man of the Match for his performance.
• A late goal by Lucien Agoume was disallowed by VAR for offside in the 80th minute.

A Desperate Win in Andalusia

Sevilla escaped the LaLiga relegation zone with four matches left to play, beating Real Sociedad 1-0 at a fervent Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium. The victory, secured by a second-half strike from substitute Alexis Sanchez, lifted the Andalusian club to 17th place with 37 points, two points clear of the bottom three. For a team that has spent much of the season fighting against the drop, the result was a lifeline. Coming into the contest, Sevilla knew a fast start was essential. They had lost five of their previous eight league games and had not won at home since early March. The pressure was palpable as the players took the pitch, with the home crowd roaring for an early breakthrough.

First-Half Pressure Without Reward

Sevilla dominated the opening half-hour, creating a series of chances that went unconverted. Chidera Ejuke forced a sharp save from Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro, while Andres Castrin and Nemanja Gudelj both came close for the hosts. Despite controlling possession and territory, Sevilla could not find the net. Neal Maupay volleyed wastefully wide from close range, and Ejuke fired over after a powerful run into the box. The pattern was familiar: Sevilla had struggled all season to turn dominance into goals, and the first half seemed to be following the same script. Real Sociedad, who had won only three away league matches all season, remained on the back foot but held firm.

Sanchez Strikes Early in the Second Half

The deadlock was broken within five minutes of the restart. Half-time substitute Alexis Sanchez, introduced by manager Luis Garcia, powered a clinical strike into the far corner after good work from Maupay. The goal sent the stadium into a frenzy and gave Sevilla the lead they had deserved. With the advantage, Sevilla looked to control proceedings. They kept Real Sociedad at arm's length for much of the second half, limiting the visitors to few clear chances. The home side's defense, marshaled by Gabriel Suazo, who was later named Man of the Match, held firm under pressure.

VAR Denies a Second Goal

Sevilla thought they had doubled their lead in the 80th minute when Lucien Agoume coolly converted in the box. However, the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside, a decision that kept Real Sociedad within striking distance. The visitors, grateful for the reprieve, pushed for a late equalizer. Pellegrino Matarazzo's men threw bodies forward in the closing stages, but Sevilla's rearguard held. Real Sociedad's Wesley won a free kick on the left wing in stoppage time, but the chance came to nothing. The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory that moved Sevilla out of the relegation zone at the expense of Alaves.

A Season on the Brink

For Sevilla, this win was only their second in nine LaLiga matches, a run that included two draws and five defeats. The club, a perennial European contender, has endured a tumultuous campaign, sitting in 17th place with 37 points as of May 4. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, remain 9th with 43 points, their away form a persistent weakness. The result reshapes the relegation battle with four games to play. Alaves, now in the drop zone, will be watching nervously as Sevilla's survival hopes have been revived. The margin for error remains razor-thin, but for one night in Seville, the relief was tangible.

What Lies Ahead

Sevilla must now build on this momentum. With four matches remaining, each point is precious. The team's ability to score goals, long a problem, will be tested again. Alexis Sanchez's impact off the bench offers a glimmer of hope, but consistency has been elusive all season. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, will look to regroup. Their away form has been a glaring weakness, and with European qualification still mathematically possible, they cannot afford to dwell on this defeat. The season's final stretch will determine whether Sevilla's escape is permanent or merely a reprieve.

The bottom line

• Sevilla climbed out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad, moving to 17th place with 37 points.
• Alexis Sanchez scored the decisive goal as a half-time substitute, his clinical strike in the 50th minute proving the difference.
• Sevilla had only two wins in their previous nine LaLiga matches, highlighting their struggles this season.
• Real Sociedad's poor away record continued; they have won just three league matches on the road all season.
• A late goal by Lucien Agoume was disallowed by VAR for offside, keeping the scoreline tight.
• Gabriel Suazo was named Man of the Match for his defensive performance in a crucial victory.