Sporting de Gijon 1 - 3 Real Sociedad: Inigo Martinez's free-kick highlights Real Sociedad's win at Sporting Gijon

Posted Monday, November 21, 2016 by PA

Inigo Martinez scored a fabulous free-kick as Real Sociedad beat Sporting Gijon away to make it five wins in six LaLiga matches.

Xabi Prieto put the visitors in front but Sporting went in level at the break through Duje Cop's strike. David Zurutuza restored Real's lead before Martinez stole the show with a wickedly curling left-foot shot which gave Sporting goalkeeper Pichu Cuellar no chance.

The visitors dominated possession and chances in the first period with Carlos Vela to the fore.

The Mexican forward was clean through in the second minute but opted to check back rather than shoot, and Willian Jose's eventual shot was blocked.

Seconds later Vela had a shot comfortably gathered by Cuellar, and then kick-started the move which led to the opening goal in the 18th minute.

His pass released Yuri, whose cross from the left was headed goalwards by Martinez. Cuellar was able to keep out his effort with the aid of the post but Prieto scrambled in the rebound.

Sporting levelled with their one and only effort on goal of the first half as Moi Gomez cushioned a header down to Cop who lashed in a right-foot shot from the edge of the area.

Real restored their lead in the 51st minute when they won the ball back high up the pitch, Yuri crossed for Zurutuza who got ahead of his marker to sweep home.

Six minutes later came Martinez's set-piece masterclass to take the game beyond the hosts, who have now lost seven of their last nine matches.

They remain in the bottom three and face a tough trip to the Estadio Bernabeu to face league leaders Real Madrid next weekend.