Celta Vigo 0 - 2 Real Sociedad: Reaction man Ryan saves Sociedad’s unbeaten run

Matthew Ryan produced a string of heroic saves either side of HT to extend Real Sociedad’s unbeaten run to 13 in all competitions after a hard-fought 2-0 win away to Celta Vigo at the Estadio de Balaídos.

Despite being the second-lowest scorers at home in La Liga this season, with just three goals in five matches at the Estadio de Balaídos, Celta Vigo looked more likely to break the deadlock as Denis Suárez almost capped a flowing Celta Vigo attacking move when his low effort from six yards was saved by Ryan. 

Real Sociedad had scored two or more goals in four of their last five away La Liga matches, but, perhaps jaded by their 2-2 stalemate against La Liga champions Atlético Madrid on Sunday, they struggled to break down Celta Vigo, with Alexander Isak’s powerful drive from a tight angle the visitor’s best chance in the first half. 

The ‘Sky Blues’ continued to dominate and they went agonisingly close before HT as Ryan spilled Suárez’s long-range effort straight to Santi Mina, but the goalkeeper made amends and kept out the striker’s follow up effort with a reaction save.

Determined to preserve their extensive unbeaten run, Real Sociedad edged back into the game and opened the scoring ten minutes after the break. Isak started and finished a blistering attack from the visitors, playing the first pass, then following in Adnan Januzaj’s deflected shot to tap into an empty net for his second goal in two matches. 

The 'White and Blues’ had Ryan to thank once again as Celta Vigo looked to avoid defeat for the third time in four matches. The Australian ‘keeper kept out Iago Aspas’ low strike, then produced a full-stretch save to claw away Mina’s looping header on the follow-up. Real Sociedad sat deep in their own half and restricted Celta Vigo and Aritz Elustondo sealed all three points for the away side with a thumping header from Benat Turrientes’ corner.

Imanol Alguacil will be delighted with his side’s ruthlenesses in attack as they have now scored in eight consecutive away matches and remain unbeaten in seven on the road. Celta Vigo performed valiantly once again, and they may have avoided a third straight defeat against Real Sociedad, if not for the heroics of Ryan.