20 February 2006, by Sean Gillen

Miguel impresses as Valencia keep up Barca pursuit

Real Sociedad 1-2 Valencia

Portuguese defender Miguel impressed for Valencia as they fought back from a goal down to claim all three points at the Anoeta.

The former Benfica right-back was outstanding for Valencia, who were stunned when the home side took the lead after just 10 seconds after a long ball was flicked on into the path of Danish striker Skuobo, who finished brilliantly to score his 3rd goal in 5 games since joining from Brondby in the winter transfer window.

Valencia soon settled down and began to dominate possession, putting Sociedad under spells of pressure for the rest of the half. Defender David Navarro shot over from the edge of the box and winger Rufete hit the post as Valencia worked their way back into the game. Aimar and Albelda also had attempts on goal but Sociedad went into half time ahead.

Sociedad boss Gonzalo Arkonada brought on Xabi Prieto at half-time and the midfielder was influential as Sociedad started the second half well. Prieto quickly created a chance for midfielder Gorka Larrea, brilliantly beating two Valencia players by the corner flag before finding the young midfielder, who blazed over from the edge of the penalty area.

Valencia were struggling to create chances but winger Mario Regueiro equalised against the run of play in the 69th minute. From a crossing position, Regueiro noticed that Sociedad ‘keeper Asier Riesgo had left a gap at his near post and the Uruguayan clinically lashed the ball in from a tight angle.

Valencia’s winner would come from an awful mistake by Sociedad’s central midfielder Gorka Larrea. The youngster, playing in his first campaign in La Liga, played a careless ball across his own back-line and Regueiro was on hand to score his second goal, rounding Riesgo before calmly slotting the ball into an empty net.

Valencia, who brought on former Sporting midfielder Hugo Viana for the last five minutes, held on to stretch their unbeaten record to 13 games and regain second place from Real Madrid, six points behind leaders Barcelona.

With Barca and Real Madrid both involved in the Champions League, Valencia will feel that a title challenge is a real possibility and will be hoping to continue their good form next week at home against Getafe.


Real Sociedad:
Riesgo, Rekarte, Jauregi, Labaka, Cifuentes, Mikel Alonso, Larrea, Novo, De Cerio (Prieto, 45), Gari Uranga (Gonzalez, 63), Skuobo
Yellow Cards: Skuobo (30), Rekarte (60)

Valencia:
Canizares, Miguel, Albiol, Navarro, Moretti, Albelda, Baraja, Rufete (Fabio Aurelio, 63), Regueiro (Curro Torres, 92), Aimar (Viana, 85), Villa
Yellow Cards: Baraja (12), Regueiro (90)

Goals:
[1-0] Skuobo, 1
[1-1] Regueiro, 69
[1-2] Regueiro, 78