Real Sociedad secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Leganés in a Sunday La Liga fixture, but Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq did not feature in the match. Sadiq, who has been gradually reintegrating into the squad after recovering from a long-term injury, remained on the bench as an unused substitute, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The victory marked Sociedad’s fourth consecutive win in La Liga, showcasing their strong form as they push for higher standings in the league table. The goals came from Brais Méndez, Ander Barrenetxea, and Mikel Oyarzabal, who sealed the result with a late strike in stoppage time.
Brais Méndez opened the scoring in the 14th minute, taking advantage of an organized build-up play to put Sociedad ahead. In the 78th minute, Barrenetxea extended the lead with a well-timed finish, capitalizing on defensive lapses from Leganés. The final goal came courtesy of Mikel Oyarzabal in the 92nd minute, ensuring a dominant performance for the visitors.
While Sadiq's absence from the pitch might raise questions, it is likely part of manager Imanol Alguacil's plan to manage the forward’s return carefully. Sadiq, who joined Sociedad in the 2022/2023 season, has shown glimpses of his potential and remains a valuable asset as the team competes on multiple fronts this season.
Real Sociedad's victory keeps them firmly in the hunt for European qualification, with their consistent form making them a formidable contender. As for Sadiq, fans will be eager to see him back in action in the coming matches, contributing to the team’s ambitions.
Oluwayemi Omolagba