Aston Villa 2:4 Real Sociedad — Match Report

Gary RedknappFootball AnalystMATCH REPORT

Carlos Soler scored once and dictated the midfield as Real Sociedad beat Aston Villa 4-2 in a Club Friendly, setting up a meeting with Toulouse on July 31st. The result was a surprise given Villa's strong pre-season billing, but the Spanish side took control after an even first half.

The match turned in the visitors' favour when Soler equalised on 22 minutes after George Hemmings had given Villa the lead, then Orri Steinn Óskarsson struck just after the break to make it 2-1. Brian Madjo briefly levelled for Villa two minutes later, but Gorka Carrera Zarranz restored Sociedad's lead on 66 minutes and a late fourth sealed the win.

Despite enjoying 58% possession and creating three corners to Sociedad's five, Aston Villa were outplayed on the counter and conceded four times from just 42% of the ball. Carlos Soler was the standout with a 9.43 rating, the midfielder's goal and all-round control earning him man of the match honours. CheckLive's model strongly favoured Aston Villa, but the result emphatically proved it wrong, with the live signals offering no hint of the upset. Real Sociedad now face Toulouse on July 31st.

Questions & Answers

What was the final score of Aston Villa vs Real Sociedad?

Aston Villa 2-4 Real Sociedad (Club Friendly Games).

Who scored?

George Hemmings (15') for Aston Villa; Carlos Soler (22') for Real Sociedad; Orri Steinn Óskarsson (54') for Real Sociedad; Brian Madjo (56') for Aston Villa; Gorka Carrera Zarranz (66') for Real Sociedad.

Were there any cards in Aston Villa vs Real Sociedad?

Yellow cards: Beñat Turrientes (Real Sociedad); null (Real Sociedad); null (Aston Villa).

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