Sociedad lose to Villarreal after crumbling in second half

ByReuters

Published 05/01/2020 at 15:24 GMT

Jan 5 (Reuters) - Real Sociedad's hopes of getting back into La Liga's top-four were hit as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at home to Villarreal on Sunday, collapsing in the second half after dominating the first period.

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Willian Jose put the home side ahead midway through a first half in which they created a slew of chances but Manu Trigueros levelled 13 minutes into the second period from the penalty spot after Samuel Chukwueze was felled by Igor Zubeldia.

Santi Cazorla then gave the visitors the lead in the 75th minute with a strike that was originally ruled offside then awarded following a VAR review.

The defeat leaves Sociedad in fifth place on 31 points, four behind fourth-placed Sevilla who drew 1-1 at home to Athletic Bilbao on Friday. Villarreal meanwhile climbed up to ninth place on 28 points, raising their hopes of finishing in the top-six. (Reporting by Richard Martin Editing by Toby Davis)

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