CORNELL LLOBRE­GAT: Real Sociedad cut the gap on second-place Real Madrid to three points with a 3-2 win at Espanyol in La Liga on Monday.

The champions have played a game fewer and host Elche on Wednesday, with Real Sociedad third, hot on their tail, although they were left holding on at the end against struggling Espanyol.

Takefusa Kubo and Alexander Sorloth’s goals gave Real Sociedad a commanding lead at the RCDE Stadium as Imanol Alguacil’s side bounced back from three games without a win across all competitions.

Espanyol defender Leandro Cabrera headed a Kubo cross into his own net to further sink his side, before Sergi Darder netted a consolation goal from close range.

Brian Olivan smashed in another for Espanyol with three minutes remaining, setting up a tense finale, before Cabrera was sent off in stoppage time.

Sociedad are 14 points behind leaders Barcelona, who are 11 clear of Real after their 1-0 win over Villarreal on Sunday.

Espanyol, missing injured striker Joselu, languish 17th, only a point above the relegation zone.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2023