Substitute Alexis Sánchez scored the winner in the 50th minute as Sevilla defeated Real Sociedad 1-0 at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium, climbing to 37 points—one above Deportivo Alavés—with four LaLiga matches remaining. The victory, fueled by first-half dominance and staunch defense, was hailed by coach Luis García Plaza as a 'triumph of faith' amid their relegation battle.
Sevilla FC secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, with Alexis Sánchez netting the decisive goal in the 50th minute. The Chilean forward, who replaced Isaac Romero at halftime, finished a pass from Neal Maupay off a cross from José Carmona, with Álex Remiro getting a touch but unable to keep it out.
Luis García Plaza's side pressed high and dominated the first half, registering 15 shots and chances from Gabriel Suazo, Rubén Vargas, and Chidera Ejuke—whose 44th-minute effort was denied by Remiro. Real Sociedad offered little threat initially.
After the break, Sánchez's goal sparked delirium among Nervión's fans, whose fervent support echoed European nights and energized the gritty team. Real Sociedad pushed back, particularly during lengthy stoppage time, but Sevilla held firm. A 78th-minute goal by Lucien Agoumé was disallowed for offside by referee Juan Martínez Munuera.
Coach García Plaza praised the collective effort: “We played a great match. It could have been 3-0 or 4-0. We read the game very well.” He called Sánchez “spectacular” for his experience and timing, and gave Ejuke “a 10 for sacrifice,” noting his start as a key decision.
Sánchez, netting his fourth LaLiga goal this season and 199th in Europe (nearing Iván Zamorano's 207), said: “That's why they brought me… I have the experience and I'm still showing it, I'm physically well. Now it's the most complicated part of my career, fighting down to avoid relegation.”
This win puts survival in Sevilla's hands ahead of their next home 'final' against Espanyol.
