Villarreal welcomed Real Sociedad to El Madrigal on Monday knowing that three points would move them above their opponents and into fifth spot in La Liga.
The Yellow Submarine led 3-0 at the interval courtesy of goals from strike pair Giovani dos Santos (2) and Ikechukwu Uche.
Uche and Moi Gomez added to Villarreal's tally in the early stages of the second half, before Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez made it 5-1 with a header from a corner.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 18 in La Liga draws to a close this evening as Villarreal welcome Real Sociedad. As mentioned, the two sides met just four days ago in the last-16 stage of the Copa del Rey, with the first leg ending in a goalless draw. However, both managers have made changes this evening as their attention switches back to La Liga.
TEAMS:
VILLARREAL: Asenjo; Mario, Dorado, Musacchio, Costa; Bruno, Gomez, Trigueros; Aquino, Uche, Giovani
SOCIEDAD: Bravo; C Martinez, Ansotegi, I Martinez, Angel; Prieto, Pardo, Bergara; Vela, Agirretxe, Griezmann
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Villarreal XI this evening with Giovani dos Santos joining Uche in the final third. Youngster Moi Gomez also keeps his place in the team with Cani still out of action. Sociedad, meanwhile, have Antoine Griezmann and Carlos Vela both available. Agirretxe is given the nod in the central striking role ahead of Haris Seferovic.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, each of the last three matches have ended in draws, while both have recorded one win in the last five games. The last time the pair met in the league was in the 2011-12 campaign, where both games ended in 1-1 draws.
Villarreal enter the match off the back of a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano in the league last weekend. That victory was their ninth in the league this season and ended a poor run of results, which threatened to harm their positive start. As it stands, they sit in sixth spot in the table on 31 points, just one point behind their opponents this evening.
They have impressed on their own patch this season with four wins, three draws and two defeats at El Madrigal in the league. Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have both already been here this season, and neither left with all the points. They have also impressed on the road, however, with five wins from their nine games, which is among the best records in the league.
Sociedad, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of a 2-0 win over Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao in the league last weekend. That result moved them to within one point of fourth-place Bilbao, but that gap is now four points after Bilbao’s win over Almeria yesterday. Both Sociedad and Villarreal have fourth in their sights this season.
Sociedad’s home form has been strong this season with six wins from their nine matches in the league, losing just once in the process. Their away record, meanwhile, reads won three, drawn three and lost three. Their defensive record at home is also impressive with just seven conceded. Only Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have a better record.
Neither Sociedad nor Villarreal have struggled to score goals this season with the home side netting 35 times in their 18 matches, while Sociedad have scored 32 times. Down the other end, their records are also fairly similar. Villarreal have the third-best defensive record in the league having conceded just 20 times, while Sociedad have conceded 23.
PREDICTION: We did not learn too much from the Copa del Rey clash between the two sides last week, but it was an extremely tight match. I am expecting more of the same this evening and I just don't see either side losing. My score prediction is 1-1 at El Madrigal.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be decisive in this type of match. The home side get the action underway.
It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. You can just feel the importance of this particular match. Not too much to report in the opening couple of moments, but Sociedad have taken control of the possession. Villarreal force a free kick outside the Sociedad box, however, when Giovani is felled by Jose Angel.
The resulting free kick is taken by Trigueros, but Carlos Martinez is on hand to clear under pressure from Mario. Sociedad attempt to break down the other end with Bergara, but the stop-start period continues as Aquino fells the Spanish midfielder.
One-way traffic in the last couple of moments with Villarreal committing numbers in the Sociedad half. The home side have another half-chance from a free kick as Mario rises inside the box, but his header is wide of the post. Not too much from Sociedad in the opening six minutes of action.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Villarreal to take the lead as Giovani finds Bruno inside the box, but the skipper cannot lift his effort over Bravo, who was quickly on the scene. Sociedad break moments later with Vela, but the Mexican is felled by Costa, who picks up a yellow card for his troubles.
Couple of opportunities for Sociedad to test Asenjo, but Griezmann's free kick is straight into the wall, before Angel fires high and wide of the crossbar. Just a few signs that the away side are starting to warm to their task this evening as they gain another free kick after Musacchio fells Agirretxe.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but both sides continue to commit players in the final third. Giovani's pace forces Ansotegi to concede a corner, but Griezmann defends his own box. Another corner follows, but once more the danger is cleared.
Half-chance for Trigueros as Giovani finds his Villarreal teammate on the edge of the box from a corner, but he takes a fresh-air shot and Sociedad manage to clear. The better chances are falling to the home side as the first period begins to gather pace.
GOAL! Villarreal 1-0 Sociedad (Giovani)
First blood Villarreal! The home side take the lead after 16 minutes as Giovani turns a low cross from Mario into the back of the net from close range.
You just get the feeling that Sociedad need to stay in the match for the next five minutes or so. It is difficult not to be impressed with Villarreal as they continue to break with pace. Gomez tries his luck outside the box moments later, but his effort is straight into the arms of Bravo.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a number of late challenges. The latest is from Villarreal skipper Bruno and gains the Spaniard a yellow for a late challenge on Vela. The resulting free kick is delivered by Griezmann, but Asenjo is on hand to collect.
Possession football for the home side at the moment as they continue to keep hold of the ball in the Sociedad half. We have seen little from the likes of Vela and Griezmann thus far, while the Yellow Submarine have dominated the midfield in the opening 24 minutes.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Gomez works the ball to Mario, who delivers a low cross towards Giovani, but Bravo just manages to collect at the vital moment. Sociedad are down the other end with Prieto moments later, but he cannot lift his effort over the reach of Asenjo.
Another half-chance for the home side as Giovani finds some space on the edge of the box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort is deflected high and wide of the crossbar. The resulting corner comes in from Bruno, but Inigo Martinez is on the scene to clear. End-to-end football.
GOAL! Villarreal 2-0 Sociedad (Uche)
Villarreal have their second of the match just before the 30-minute mark as Giovani finds his strike partner Uche at the far post and he cannot miss as he places his effort into the bottom corner.
Villarreal have been stunning, just stunning in the opening 31 minutes of this match. Sociedad entered the match in a strong run of form, but they are not sure what has hit them this evening. You just get the feeling that Sociedad need to score the next goal if they are to stand a chance of turning this one around at El Madrigal.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Sociedad managing to quell the Villarreal pressure. Uche has threatened to meet through balls from Giovani on a couple of occasions, but Bravo has been equal to the danger.
GOAL! Villarreal 3-0 Sociedad (Giovani)
Villarreal have their third of the evening as Giovani finds some space inside the box before rattling an effort into the top corner. What a half it has been for the Mexican.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Villarreal to find the back of the net as Moi Gomez creates some space inside the box before attempting to place one into the bottom corner, but Inigo Martinez is on hand to make a fine block at the vital moment.
Another half-chance for Villarreal as Bruno strikes a free kick from outside the box, but Bravo manages to make a flying stop at the vital moment. The resulting corner comes in from Giovani, but once more Bravo collects. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Sociedad managing to stem the flow of traffic with a period of possession. Just a reminder that three points for the home side would move them into fifth spot in La Liga.
Possession football for Villarreal in the last couple of moments with the likes of Moi Gomez and Bruno dominating proceedings in the middle of the park. Sociedad just have not been allowed to put together any sort of pressure thus far.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Mario finds some space outside the Sociedad box before delivering a low cross towards Giovani, but Carlos Martinez just manages to turn over his own crossbar. Can Villarreal find a fourth before the interval? That would certainly secure all the points.
HALF TIME: Villarreal 3-0 Sociedad
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Villarreal leading 3-0. The home side took the lead after 16 minutes through Giovani, before Uche scored their second nine minutes later. It got better for the Yellow Submarine just past the 30-minute mark when Giovani netted his second.
STATISTICS: The home side have just about shaded the possession with 53%, while they have had 10 attempts to Sociedad's five. The away side had their moments in the early stages, but have simply been unable to deal with the pace and movement of their opponents in the final third.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of options on their bench this evening in the shape of Pina, Jonathan Pereira and Jeremy Perbet. Meanwhile, Sociedad have the likes of Chorey Castro, Haris Seferovic and Javi Ros in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Villarreal would move into fifth spot in the table. Can Sociedad respond? The away side get the second 45 minutes underway at El Madrigal. Let's hope for more of the same.
Two changes for Sociedad at the interval with Mikel Gonzalez and Zurutuza replacing Griezmann and Pardo. I shouldn't imagine withdrawing Griezmann was a tactical decision and therefore an injury could be apparent. Villarreal, however, go with the same XI, which is not much of a surprise. Another goal should be enough to put any doubts about the three points to bed.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages of the second period, but Sociedad have entered the half with a more positive attitude. In truth, they need to score the next goal to hand themselves any hope of turning this one around. Villarreal have just been devastating on the counter attack this evening.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with late challenges arriving from both sides. Neither has been able to test the opposition goalkeeper in the second half, but it is much more of a contest, with Sociedad enjoying possession in the final third.
Good pressure from Sociedad in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but Mario and Dorado take it in turns to clear the danger. Vela attempts a mazy run into the box moments later, but Bruno is across to clear at the vital moment. Still 3-0 with 55 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Villarreal 4-0 Sociedad (Uche)
Uche scores his fifth goal in his last two league games as the Nigerian slides one into the bottom corner after another assist from Giovani.
Wow, just wow. Villarreal have four without replay and there are still more than 30 minutes remaining. It has been some night for Giovani thus far, with the Mexican scoring twice and registering two assists. I have a feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals.
Another half-chance for the home side as Bruno finds some space outside the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but Bravo is on hand to make a fine save. Sociedad break down the other end with Vela moments later, but he loses possession in the final third. It appears that the away side are preparing their third and final change.
GOAL! Villarreal 5-0 Sociedad (Moi Gomez)
Villarreal have their fifth of the evening as Dorado drives down the right before finding Gomez, who slides his low effort into the bottom corner. Sociedad are falling apart here.
Sociedad make their third and final change as Ros replaces Markel for the final 30 minutes or so. This could get a lot worse for Villarreal before it gets better as the pressure continues.
GOAL! Villarreal 5-1 Sociedad (Martinez)
Sociedad have a consolation as Inigo Martinez heads home from a corner. What an incredible match at El Madrigal. This could be anything in the remaining 30 minutes.
Another opportunity for the home side as Trigueros finds some space inside the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but Inigo Martinez is across to make a fine block at the vital moment. Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment as the end-to-end period continues.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as Villarreal continue to dominate the possession. The home side make their first change moments later as Moi Gomez is replaced by Nahuel for the final 25 minutes or so. I would be astounded if there were not more goals this evening.
Villarreal have now scored 10 times in their last two La Liga games after netting five on the road against Rayo Vallecano last Monday. It is difficult to imagine that this side was playing in the second tier of Spanish football last season. They have been a breath of fresh air thus far and have their sights firmly set on the top four and a place in the Champions League.
One-way traffic in the last couple of moments as the home side continue to force the issue in the final third. Sociedad have simply been unable to match the pace of their opponents this evening. Uche tries his luck from outside the box moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
Villarreal make their second change of the match with little over 15 minutes of football remaining as Pina replaces Bruno, who has been terrific in the middle of the park this evening. You can afford to rest players when you have a 5-1 lead that is for certain.
Opportunity for Villarreal to threaten from a free kick as Javi Ros fells Uche on the edge of the Sociedad box. The resulting set piece is taken by Giovani, but his effort just moves wide of the post. He has been just sensational this evening.
Villarreal make their third and final change as Giovani, who has scored two and assisted two this evening, is replaced by Perbet, who scored twice against Rayo Vallecano last week. The Yellow Submarine have an embarrassment of attacking options at the moment. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as the second period enters its latter stages.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with Inigo Martinez booked for a terrible challenge on Dorado. Mario tries his luck from outside the box moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
Villarreal continue to dominate possession in the final third with Mario and Costa almost playing as wingers as Sociedad struggle to keep hold of the ball. Just a reminder that the two sides meet again in the second leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey later this week.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sociedad to score a second as Zurutuza meets a low cross from Vela, but Asenjo is across to make a fine save at the vital moment. The resulting corner also causes problems inside the Villarreal box, but Bruno manages to clear.
Another half-chance for Sociedad as Vela collects possession on the edge of the box before beating two defenders, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Much better from the away side in the last 10 minutes, but it is a case of far too little far too late at El Madrigal.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in the final third. Just a reminder that the three points for Villarreal will move them above Sociedad and into fifth position in the table. Little over one minute of normal time remaining. I think it would be safe to say that the points are secure for the home side.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Perbet tries his luck outside the box for the home side, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. That should be just about that for this one.
FULL TIME: Villarreal 5-1 Sociedad
So there we have it. Villarreal move into fifth position in the table with a 5-1 win over Sociedad. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us throughout the week for live coverage of the Copa del Rey. Until then!
