Deportivo La Coruna 5 - 1 Real Sociedad: Deportivo down Real Sociedad to drag themselves out of drop zone

Posted Tuesday, December 06, 2016 by PA

Deportivo La Coruna roared out of the relegation zone with an emphatic win at home to high-flying Real Sociedad on Monday night.

Three first-half goals set struggling Depor on their way to a crushing 5-1 victory as their shocked visitors missed out on the chance to go fourth in LaLiga.

Sidnei opened the scoring and an Inigo Martinez own goal followed by a smart Florin Andone finish had Depor in total control at the break.

Berchiche Yuri pulled one back for Sociedad, but the hosts did anything but crumble, responding through Ryan Babel, who converted the rebound after his penalty was saved, and Andone again to complete a resounding win.

It was their first since October 1 and only their third in the league this season.

The hosts went in front in the 13th minute. A corner from the left flicked off the head of a defender and fell for Sidnei, who did well in a crowded area to bring the ball under control, get it out of his feet and score with a calm low finish.

Martinez's own goal doubled Depor's lead in the 29th minute. Andone raced into the area down the left, pulled the ball back and Martinez, in his attempts to clear the danger, could only slam the ball into the roof of his own net.

Andone then swept home a cross from the right at the near post to make it three as the Sociedad defence was again caught out.

Yuri gave the away side hope with a fine goal 12 minutes after the break, advancing up field from left-back, playing a one-two and then powering a finish into the right corner from the edge of the area.

But any hopes of a comeback were dashed seven minutes later.

Babel's penalty was well saved by goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli diving to his right, but the rebound fell kindly for the Dutchman, who tucked it home.

Andone grabbed his second of the game to make it five in the 77th minute, racing on to a through-ball and blasting his finish inside the near post.