Elche suffer late defeat to Real Sociedad despite Lucas Cepeda’s introduction

Elche appeared to have completed a dramatic comeback, only for Luka Sucic to settle the match for Real Sociedad with the final action of the game. The 3-2 defeat left the home side second from bottom in La Liga with just one point.

The match began badly for Elche. Job Ochieng put Real Sociedad ahead in the 11th minute, and Yangel Herrera doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 32nd. Elche faced a two-goal deficit at halftime and looked destined for a difficult afternoon.

The balance shifted after Real Sociedad defender Jon Martín was sent off in the 64th minute. Elche took advantage, with Thomas Lemar scoring in the 67th minute and Fernando Niño equalising seven minutes later. Chilean attacker Lucas Cepeda entered in the 70th minute as Elche pushed for a winning goal.

Cepeda, who came through Santiago Wanderers and is from Placilla, nearly completed the turnaround with a shot in the 83rd minute. Instead, Sucic scored in the 90th minute to give Real Sociedad victory. Elche will next visit Athletic Club on September 12 at 1:30 p.m. local time, or 4:30 p.m. GMT.