Alexis Sanchez strike lifts Sevilla out of relegation zone with 1-0 win over Real Sociedad

Key facts

• Sevilla won 1-0 at home against Real Sociedad on May 4, 2026, in La Liga matchday 34.
• Alexis Sanchez scored the winning goal five minutes into the second half after coming on as a substitute.
• Sevilla moved out of the relegation zone, now two points clear of safety with four games to play.
• Real Sociedad have won only three away league matches all season (D6, L7).
• Sevilla secured just their second La Liga win in nine matches (D2, L5).
• Gabriel Suazo was named Man of the Match by Flashscore.
• Real Sociedad won the Copa del Rey two weeks ago but have not won a league match in a month.
• Mikel Oyarzabal has scored 17 goals this season, including a brace in the last round.

A lifeline in Seville

Sevilla climbed out of the La Liga relegation zone with four games to play as Alexis Sanchez came off the bench to score the winning goal in a crucial 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium. The result lifts the Andalusian club above Alaves, giving them a two-point cushion above the drop zone after a torrid run of form. Coming into the contest with a two-point gap to safety, Sevilla knew a fast start was needed. The hosts threatened early on, with Chidera Ejuke seeing a low effort smartly saved by Alex Remiro in the visitors’ goal, while Andres Castrin and Nemanja Gudelj also went close for Los Nervionenses in a one-sided opening half-hour.

First-half pressure without reward

Despite dominating possession and creating chances, Sevilla could not find the breakthrough before halftime. Neal Maupay volleyed wastefully wide from close range, and Ejuke fired over after a great run into the box. Real Sociedad, who have won only three away league matches all season (D6, L7), remained on the back foot throughout the first period. The visitors struggled to mount any meaningful attacks, with their captain Mikel Oyarzabal isolated up front. Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side were missing key players including Guedes, Zubeldia, Odriozola, and Rupérez due to injury, further limiting their attacking options.

Sanchez strikes after the restart

Sevilla took a deserved lead within five minutes of the second half, with half-time substitute Alexis Sanchez powering a clinical strike into the far corner after good work by Maupay. The Chilean forward, introduced at the break, provided the cutting edge that had been missing in the first half. Armed with the advantage, Luis Garcia’s men looked to control proceedings as the match entered the final half-hour. Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Sevilla content to absorb pressure and hit on the counter.

VAR denies Sevilla a second

Sevilla thought they had doubled their lead in the 80th minute when Lucien Agoume coolly converted in the box, only for the Frenchman’s strike to be ruled out by VAR for offside. The decision gave Real Sociedad a reprieve, and they pushed for a late equalizer. However, Matarazzo’s men were unable to breach the hosts’ rearguard, as Sevilla held on for just their second La Liga win in nine matches (D2, L5). The victory was built on a solid defensive display, with Gabriel Suazo earning the Man of the Match award for his performance at left-back.

Squad challenges and context

Sevilla entered the match without Sow and Manu Bueno due to injury, though Cesar Azpilicueta returned to the lineup. The club has endured its most challenging period in recent years, with five defeats in the previous six rounds leaving them deep in relegation trouble. Fan support at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán was described as fervent, providing a crucial boost. Real Sociedad arrived in Seville having celebrated their fourth Copa del Rey title just two weeks earlier at the same stadium. However, they have not won a league match in a month, and their away form has been poor all season. Oyarzabal, who has scored 17 goals this term including a brace in the last round, was unable to add to his tally.

What the result means

The victory moves Sevilla out of the relegation zone with four matches remaining, giving them a two-point advantage over Alaves. For Real Sociedad, the defeat extends their winless run in La Liga and leaves them in mid-table, with little to play for except pride. Both teams face squad problems and pressure of results. Sevilla must now build on this win to secure their top-flight status, while Real Sociedad will look to end their league drought in the coming weeks. The match concluded the 34th round of the championship, with the relegation battle intensifying as the season enters its final stretch.

A test of resilience

For Sevilla, this victory represents more than just three points—it is a testament to the team's resilience under pressure. The club, which has a proud history in European competition, now faces a fight to remain in Spain's top division. The return of key players and the support of the home fans will be vital in the remaining fixtures. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, must regroup after a disappointing league campaign, despite their Copa del Rey success. The contrast between their cup triumph and league struggles highlights the unpredictable nature of football, where a single result can change the narrative entirely.

The bottom line

• Sevilla's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad lifted them out of the relegation zone with four games left.
• Alexis Sanchez scored the decisive goal five minutes into the second half after coming off the bench.
• Sevilla had lost five of their previous six league matches before this victory.
• Real Sociedad have not won a La Liga match in a month and have only three away wins all season.
• VAR disallowed a second Sevilla goal for offside in the 80th minute.
• Gabriel Suazo was named Man of the Match for his defensive performance.