Granada CF 0 - 2 Real Sociedad: Sociedad see off Granada to go fifth

Posted Sunday, December 18, 2016 by PA

Real Sociedad's excellent run of recent form continued as they secured a 2-0 victory away to struggling Granada.

Eusebio Sacristan's team have lost just one of their last seven matches and took the lead in atrocious conditions when Jon Bautista scored just two minutes after coming on as a substitute and Juanmi's goal with 20 minutes to go made sure.

Granada were unable to build on their impressive win over Sevilla in their last game at Los Carmenes, which remains their only victory from 16 games as they remained second-bottom of LaLiga. The win took Sociedad up to fifth and within one point of the top three.

Carlos Vela had the first chance for Sociedad and should arguably have done better when Mikel Oyarzabal sent over a fourth-minute cross from the left. As the Mexican attempted to cushion in a volley from four yards, Granada full-back Gabriel Silva was able to get across and get a vital touch.

Artem Kravets' long-range effort in the 15th minute drew a full-length save from Sociedad goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, and he was called on soon afterwards to tip over a snap-shot from Sergi Samper after Kravets had teed him up.

Granada goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was called on to smother Juanmi's attempted lob as the first half ended goalless.

The breakthrough goal came in the 56th minute as Bautista made an instant impact, darting in front of Matthieu Saunier to head home Esteban Granero's cross.

Juanmi added a second 13 minutes later as Vela was allowed to advance unchallenged into the box and his cross from the right was volleyed home past Ochoa.