The Real Sociedad prolongs its state of grace and Betis takes another displeasure

Those of Bailiff sign in Vallecas the best streak in their history

Pellegrini's men yield to Espanyol with the bad memory of the Super Cup and the Cup

MADRID, 21 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Real Sociedad extended their state of grace this Saturday after beating Rayo Vallecano (0-2) at home, on matchday 18 of LaLiga Santander, thanks to goals from Sorloth and Barrenetxea in the first half, a hard-fought win that gave them allowed them to settle in third place, while Real Betis extended their run of trouble with a defeat (1-0) against Espanyol.

The people from San Sebastian signed their ninth consecutive victory at the Vallecas Stadium and achieved the best winning streak in their history. In addition, the fact that Real Madrid has two less games, the one postponed against Valencia for the Spanish Super Cup and the one this Sunday against Athletic Club, allows Imanol Alguacil's men to equalize on points with the current champion.

Thus, the 'txuri-urdines' were too much punishment for a poor Rayo who gave a false step in his European dream. Although those from Iraola put up a battle, La Real did not take long to make themselves noticed on the field. At 15 minutes Sorloth opened the scoring after taking advantage of a good ball from David Silva and beating Dimitrievski from under the legs.

The Norwegian, who has scored twelve goals this season, was key in a victory that they sealed before going to rest. Without giving up an iota of intensity, the Basques stepped on the accelerator to score the second on 37' and thus close the game. Barrenetxea ordered a corner kick taken by Brais Méndez to be saved, which after combing Elustondo managed to finish off without a mark.

Although Rayo came out more animated after the restart, the defensive solidity of the visitors stopped any hint of a local comeback. Those from the strip ran into a wall again and again that became large at the insistence, but without much danger, of Isi, Álvaro García and company. A Lightning that does not find the streak from before the break for the World Cup.

For their part, RCD Espanyol won (1-0) Real Betis by a minimum and got three golden points in their fight to move away from the relegation places. Martin Braithwaite's solitary goal on the stroke of half-time was enough to regain sensations after their defeat (1-0) last Wednesday against Athletic Club.

Manuel Pellegrini's men, who had also just lost their round of 16 tie against Osasuna in a penalty shootout, were unable to overcome a compact Espanyol who resisted tooth and nail, to add the third consecutive defeat for the Verdiblanco team , after which they suffered on penalties in the semifinals of the Spanish Super Cup with Barça.

Thus, the first part left an exchange of blows with chances for both teams. Diego Martínez's men first threatened with a header from Cabrera that crashed into the wood and the visitors had their reply shortly after through Luiz Enrique. Although Álvaro Fernández gave Borja Iglesias a saving hand at the end of the first half, the prize came to the parrots in the next play when the Danish striker made it 1-0.

The former FC Barcelona player took advantage of a rebound from the Betic defense to score his fourth goal of the season. In the second half, the Blue and Whites were able to make it 2-0 through Aleix Vidal, but the referee ended up annulling it due to a previous foul by Puado on Ruibal. The final momentum of the Verdiblancos could not be turned into goals, so the victory ended up staying in Cornellá.