Real Betis 2 : 3 Real Sociedad - Martinez lifts Sociedad

Posted Sunday, November 27, 2011 by PA

A stunning injury-time goal by Inigo Martinez was enough to guide Real Sociedad to only their third win of the season as they defeated fellow strugglers Real Betis 3-2 in the Primera Division despite missing a first-half penalty.

Martinez struck with seconds to go from 35 yards to give Sociedad victory after they had squandered a two-goal lead late on.

The visitors were 2-0 up with less than 15 minutes to go thanks to goals by Imanol Agirretxe and Carlos Vela before the hosts drew level with a Rodriguez Jonathan Pereira double in the 81st and 86th minutes but then came Martinez's late intervention.

The game had a bright opening as Agirretxe forced a save from Espinosa Casto before the hosts came close themselves, Claudio Bravo tipping Etxebarria Benat's header around the post.

However, Sociedad had the chance to go ahead midway through the half when Casto's challenge on Antoine Griezmann resulted in a penalty but Griezmann sent the spot-kick wide.

Both sides were intent on attacking but it took until the 56th minute for the deadlock to be broken.

Vela sent in an inswinging corner from the left which found Agirretxe in the six-yard box, the striker heading home.

Sociedad almost doubled their lead moments later as again Vela produced a corner which Agirretxe volleyed against the bar.

They did get a second goal in the 76th minute, though, when Vela drilled into the bottom right-hand corner of the goal from Agirretxe's pass.

Betis appeared to be heading for defeat but with nine minutes to go they pulled a goal back, Pereira sending a left-footed shot high into the centre of the goal and the same player brought the teams level five minutes later when he slotted home from close range.

However, there was time for some late drama as Martinez fired in a left-wing shot from 35 yards which went high into the centre of the goal for victory.

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