Real Sociedad strengthened their LaLiga top-six hopes with a 3-1 victory over Elche at the Reale Arena, extending their unbeaten league run to seven games (W4, D3) while leaving their opponents winless in six (D2, L4).

The game began cautiously, with both sides jockeying for midfield control and few meaningful attacks in the opening 20 minutes. Elche’s first notable chance came in the ninth minute when Alex Remiro produced a stunning one-handed save to deny Andre Silva after a well-worked move. Sociedad, by contrast, had yet to register a shot.

That changed in the 23rd minute when Luca Sucic bent home a decisive opener at the second attempt, giving the hosts the lead against the run of play. Elche appealed for a foul on German Valera by Sergio Gomez shortly after but were unsuccessful.

Elche’s defensive lapses proved costly again soon after, as a poor back pass left goalkeeper Iñaki Peña stranded. Mikel Oyarzabal calmly slotted into the empty net to double Sociedad’s lead. Elche pulled one back before half-time through Silva, who finished neatly from a direct route-one attack.

The second half saw Sociedad start more aggressively, with Remiro keeping the visitors at bay, including a superb save from another Silva attempt. Pablo Marin appeared to have restored a two-goal advantage for Sociedad, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

The match intensified as both teams traded attacks. Elche carved out chances with slick passing moves, only to be denied by a last-ditch block from Silva. In the final 15 minutes, the game opened up with opportunities at both ends, including a glaring miss from Orri Óskarsson, who failed to convert from close range.

Óskarsson redeemed himself in stoppage time, driving home Sociedad’s third and sealing all three points.

The defeat leaves Elche with three consecutive LaLiga losses for the first time since April 2023 and still searching for their first away win of the season (D4, L7).