Aston Villa fell to a 4-2 defeat against Real Sociedad in a hard-fought pre-season friendly at Walsall's Bescot Stadium. The match, played under the watchful eye of manager Unai Emery, provided a stern test for his squad as they continue preparations for the upcoming Premier League season.
First Half Dominance from Real Sociedad
The Spanish side took control early, with defender Unai Nunez heading home from a corner in the 9th minute. Villa struggled to contain Sociedad's fluid attack, and Mikel Oyarzabal doubled the lead in the 28th minute with a composed finish after a swift counter-attack. Despite creating a few half-chances, Villa went into the break trailing 2-0.
Villa Fight Back, but Sociedad Prevail
After the restart, Villa showed greater urgency. Leon Bailey pulled one back in the 72nd minute, cutting inside and curling a shot into the far corner. The momentum shifted further when Ollie Watkins equalised in the 77th minute, latching onto a through ball and slotting past the goalkeeper. However, Real Sociedad responded swiftly: Ander Barrenetxea restored the lead with a clinical finish in the 82nd minute, and Jon Magunacelaya sealed the 4-2 victory with a goal four minutes later.
Positive Signs for Villa
Despite the loss, Villa's performance showed resilience. Emery experimented with his lineup, giving minutes to several players. Defender Tyrone Mings and midfielder John McGinn impressed with their leadership. The team created numerous chances and demonstrated improved fitness levels as they build towards the season opener.
The friendly served as a valuable workout against a strong European opponent. Real Sociedad, who finished fourth in La Liga last season, showcased their quality, but Villa matched them for large spells. Emery will take encouragement from the fightback and the sharpness of key attackers.
Villa now turn their attention to further pre-season fixtures and finalising their squad ahead of the Premier League campaign.
