Real Sociedad welcomed Sevilla to San Sebastian in La Liga on Saturday looking to move onto nine points for the season.
It was Sevilla that took the lead, however, with Jairo Samperio's smart finish after 18 minutes enough to leave the away side ahead at the interval.
Sociedad were level 25 minutes from time when Antoine Griezmann converted from close range, but the home side could not find a winner as Sevilla resisted the pressure in the latter stages.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate La Liga live commentary of the evening comes from the San Sebastian as Real Sociedad welcome Sevilla. Both sides were expected to push for European football this season, but it has not quite happened for either thus far. Sociedad are without a win in five matches in all competitions, but Sevilla have won two of their last three.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Sociedad have won three of the last five, with Sevilla also registering two wins. As mentioned, the corresponding fixture last season ended in a 2-1 win for Sociedad, who also took three points from the Estadio Ramon in May. This is the type of match that neither can afford to lose at this stage of the season.
Sociedad will take heart from their home form last season, where they won 10 of their 19 matches, losing just twice – a record that only Barcelona and Real Madrid could better. Sevilla, meanwhile, struggled on the road. The managed just one win from their 19 matches, which was the worst record in the entire division.
TEAMS:
SOCIEDAD XI: Bravo; Mikel, I Martinez, Angel, C Martinez; Castro, Bergara, Pardo, Agirretxe; Vela, Griezmann
SEVILLA XI: Beto; Pareja, Cala, Figueiras, Moreno; Trochowski, Rakitic, Iborra, Cristofo; Jairo, Gameiro
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Sociedad XI this evening with Vela and Griezmann joined in attack by Agirretxe. Sevilla, meanwhile, continue with Jairo Samperio and Kevin Gameiro in attack, with Cristoforo also starting. Right, the away side get the action underway on this warm evening in Spain.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening - far from it - but there is a good atmosphere with those in attendance letting their voices be heard. Immediate sign of intent from Jose Angel as the Sociedad defender drives down the left before finding Vela, but Iborra is across to make the challenge at the vital moment.
Slightly untidy last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a number of late challenges. However, the referee has not seen fit to look to his pocket thus far. End-to-end football with both sides committing players forward to each attack, but neither has been able to fashion a clear opportunity thus far.
Good build-up from Sociedad down the right as Griezmann combines with Vela before driving a low cross into the box, but Beto is on hand to collect at the vital moment. Ruben Pardo has a crossing opportunity moments later, but it moves straight out for a goal kick. Not too much for either sets of supporters to get excited about with six minutes on the clock at the San Sebastian.
Patient football from the hosts as they continue to pass and probe outside the Sevilla box, but they have been unable to find that elusive pass thus far. An opportunity arrives from a free kick as Iborra fells Bergara outside the box, but Pardo's delivery is cleared by Juan Cala. Sevilla attempt to break with Gameiro, but the Frenchman runs out of room down the right.
Just a few signs that the home side are starting to take control of the possession here with the likes of Castro, Vela and Bergara seeing plenty of the ball in the final third. Jose Angel is involved moments later as he creates some space down the left before delivering a deep cross into the box, but Cala is on hand to clear. Still goalless with 10 minutes on the clock this evening.
Vela calls for a penalty as the Sociedad winger moves inside Pareja before stopping in the act of shooting, but the referee is not interested. I have certainly seen them given - the Sevilla defender was in all sorts of trouble there. Sociedad continue to dominate the early stages with Sevilla struggling to maintain any sort of possession in any part of the pitch.
Griezmann is next to attack the Sevilla defence as he weaves past two defenders before striking towards goal, but Cala is on hand to make the block at the vital moment. The home side want another penalty moments later as Cala seems to handle inside the box, but once more the referee shakes his head. Still goalless with 15 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Sociedad 0-1 Sevilla (Jairo)
Sevilla take the lead against the run of play as Jairo collects a pass from Rakitic, before chipping over the onrushing Bravo. Outstanding finish from the Spaniard, who has now notched his second league goal of the season. Silence inside the stadium.
Sevilla won just once on the road last season, and have indeed won just once in the league this season, but they are on course for a vital three points this evening. That said, there is still plenty of time for Sociedad to turn this one around. A swirling cross arrives from Angel moments later, but once more Beto is on hand to collect under pressure from Agirretxe.
Another half-chance for the away side as Rakitic combines with Gameiro before sliding a low pass towards Cristoforo, but it just runs away from the midfielder at the vital moment. Sociedad are down the other end with Carlos Martinez moments later, but his cross is headed away by Cala. End-to-end football with 23 minutes on the clock.
Jairo again leads the counter for the away side as he collects a loose pass from Pardo before driving into the Sociedad half, but he runs into traffic. The home side attempt to force the issue moments later with another deep cross into the box, but Pareja is on hand to clear. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in the first period.
Opportunity for the home side to force the issue from a free kick just outside the box, but Pardo's effort is straight into the arms of the Sevilla stopper. In fairness to the home supporters, they are attempting to stay with their side here. But the uptake in breath is huge each time Sevilla break with pace and numbers. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Again it's good work by Jairo as the Spaniard plays in his strike partner Gameiro, but the Frenchman had just moved too soon, with the offside flag raised. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Vela carries the fight down the other end, but he loses possession under pressure from Iborra. Sevilla have been compact in midfield in the opening 30 minutes of this match.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Griezmann to level the scores as the Frenchman is found by Pardo inside the box, but he just loses his feet at the vital moment, scuffing his effort into the arms of Beto in the process. Sevilla continue to look dangerous on the break, meanwhile, with the pace and guile of Jairo and Gameiro.
Good pressure from the home side in the last few moments as Angel and Martinez continue to threaten in the wide areas. The latter wins a corner from Cala, which is driven into the box by Pardo, but once more it is too close to Beto, who has been very impressive in the first period. He isn't the biggest, but the Portuguese has incredible spring and athletic ability. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Better from Griezmann in the last 10 minutes or so with the Frenchman starting to see more of the ball in advanced areas. However, his strike partner Vela has had a difficult opening 37 minutes of football. Agirretxe is the target for another deep cross from Martinez moments later, but Beto watches it move high and wide of his crossbar. Still Sevilla lead as the second period reaches its latter stages.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Sevilla enjoying their best spell of possession in the first period. There is a long way to go in this match, but this would be a quite incredible result for the away side. It would also dent Sociedad's confidence further as they attempt to overcome this slump in the early part of the season. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
CHANCE! Incredible opportunity for the away side to make it 2-0 as Gameiro puts it on a plate for Trochowski, but somehow the German fires it wide of the post. That will go down as one of the misses of the season. What a howler from the midfielder. Will that wake Sociedad up? Something needs to happen.
A long punt from the goalkeeper presents a half-chance to Griezmann inside the Sevilla box, his first touch is wonderful, but the Frenchman can only blast his effort high and wide of the crossbar. The pressure continues from the home side as Martinez delivers a cross towards Vela, but it just moves over the head of the Mexican.
Good end to the half for Sociedad as they continue to enjoy possession in the Sevilla half, but the away side have been nice and compact in defensive areas thus far. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period.
HALF TIME: Sociedad 0-1 Sevilla
So there we have it. The referee brings the half to an end with Sevilla leading courtesy of a strike from Jairo after 18 minutes. Sociedad have had the majority of the ball in advanced areas, but have thus far been unable to find that elusive pass in the final third. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: Sociedad have had 70% of the possession in the first period, while they have had five attempts, two of which have been on target, to Sevilla's two. However, the only statistic that matters sees the away side lead at the interval. That said, I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in this one.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking personnel on their bench this evening with the likes of Seferovic, Zurutuza and De La Bella. Meanwhile, Sevilla also have options in the shape of Marin, Bacca, Perotti and Rabello. Plenty of players that could make a difference in the second period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for th second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have live text commentary of the Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid - be sure to remain with us for that. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway at the San Sebastian.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise based on what we have seen thus far. However, I expect that will change if the score remains the same around the hour mark. Decent start to the second period from Sociedad as Griezmann threatens to meet a deep cross from Martinez, but it just moves out of play at the vital moment.
Sevilla are down the other end moments later with Moreno, but the left-back's effort is deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is swung towards Moreno, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Quick word on Moreno - it is believed that Manchester United scouts have been watching the Spaniard over the last couple of weeks with a view to a January bid.
Half-chance for Vela this time as the Mexican finds some space inside the box before attempting to thump one into the top corner, but the angle was against the former Arsenal forward as it smashes into the side netting. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Jairo chips into the arms of Bravo down the other end.
Good pressure from Sociedad in the last couple of minutes with Vela and Griezmann starting to see more of the ball in the final third. However, Sevilla continue to repel the danger with some impressive defending. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match. Little over 35 minutes of football remaining.
Good spell of pressure for the away side as Rakitic twice delivers dangerous crosses into the box, but the first is cleared by Inigo Martinez before Castro blocks an effort from Iborra. We are getting to the stage in the match where both managers must be thinking about making changes. Sociedad simply cannot afford to lose this evening there is no question about that.
POST! Sociedad come within an inch of levelling as Vela's header evades Beto, but it clips the post before rolling into the arms of the Sevilla goalkeeper. What a let-off for the away side, who are coming under increasing pressure. Still 1-0 with little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
The match is really starting to open up with neither side too interested in defending. In truth, Sociedad should be at least level as it stands, but Sevilla remain a threat on the counter with Jairo bringing a smart save from Bravo. The next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - will surely be decisive.
Another opportunity for Sevilla to threaten from a free kick as Rakitic is felled outside the box. The Croatian goes for a goal, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar. It is a surprise that we have not seen a single change from either manager thus far, especially with the way that the half has unfolded. Sevilla still lead with 64 minutes on the clock.
Sociedad look to their bench for the first time this evening as the young striker Seferovic enters the field in place of Castro, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Still plenty of time for the home side to pull themselves back into this match, but Sevilla remain a threat on the counter. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals.
GOAL! Sociedad 1-1 Sevilla (Griezmann)
Sociedad level! Game on! It's wonderful work from Vela as the Mexican finds Griezmann at the back post, his first effort is kept out by Beto, but he smashes the rebound into the roof of the net. It had been coming there is no question about that.
End-to-end football in the last few moments as Vela strokes one over the crossbar from inside the box, before Iborra fires high and wide of the crossbar down the other end. Sociedad are now in the driving seat, but do not rule out a Sevilla winner here. What a final 20 minutes of football we could have on our hands.
Seferovic rattles the post with a header from close range, but it would not have counted with the linesman raising his flag. There is all sorts of room behind the Sevilla defence at the moment, which is being exploited. It is a surprise that Unai Emery has not looked to his bench with the likes of Marin and Bacca both in good form. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining in this La Liga encounter.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Vela to send Sociedad into the lead as he meets a cross from Griezmann, but his header is just wide of the post. It has not quite happened for the Mexican in front of goal this evening. Sociedad break again with Seferovic moments later, but his deep cross is into the arms of Beto.
Sevilla pick up their fifth yellow card of the evening as Moreno fells Vela down the right. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Griezmann, but Beto is on hand to gather under pressure from Vela. Not too much for the away supporters to get excited about at the moment with Sevilla struggling to keep possession of the ball.
Beto continues to impress in the Sevilla goal as he twice comes to collect deep crosses from Griezmann in quick succession. The home supporters continue to raise their voices, which is raising the tempo of the home side's play. Seferovic has an attempt from outside the box moments later, but it was always moving wide of the post.
Sevilla make two changes moments later as Marko Marin and Carlos Bacca enter the field in place of Cristoforo and Gameiro, who has had a successful 90 minutes of football. You just get the feeling that there is a winner in the final 10 minutes or so. Sociedad continue to attack down the wings with Griezmann feeding Seferovic, but Pareja makes a fine block at the vital moment.
Concern for Jairo here as the Sevilla striker is stretched off the pitch, but he does return to the action moments later following a brief spell of treatment. The away side break down the other end moments later with Pareja, but his cross is blocked for a corner, which is whipped straight into the arms of Bravo. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining at the San Sebastian.
Sevilla continue to force the issue with two corners in quick succession, but the second, after breaking down, presents Sociedad with the chance to break with Vela, but the Mexican runs into traffic at the final moment. A point would certainly be a better result for Sevilla than it would be for Sociedad this evening.
RED CARD! Sevilla are reduced to 10 men as Cala id sent from the field after committing a second bookable offence. Moments before, Sociedad had made a change with Zurutuza replacing Pardo. Sevilla make a change of their own as Jairo is replaced by Puerto.
You just get the feeling that there will be one last big opportunity in the final stages of this match. Sevilla would certainly accept a point at this stage as they play out the remaining minutes with 10 men. Griezmann tries his luck from outside the box moments later, but his effort is straight into the wall.
Backs against the wall for Sevilla as Sociedad continue to deliver high crosses into the box, but Beto resists the pressure with a couple of really positive claims. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional five minutes at the end of this match, which brings cheers from the home supporters.
Neither side can keep possession at the moment with both struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Sociedad continue to force the issue with a number of crosses into the box, but Sevilla are comfortable in dealing with the high ball.
Sevilla are certainly the team playing for a draw as Moreno takes his time with a throw before travelling into the corner, which wastes a few more precious moments. Beto is called into action to deal with another Griezmann cross moments later, but once more he passes the test.
FULL TIME: Sociedad 1-1 Sevilla
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with the scores level at 1-1. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for the Madrid derby. Until then!
