Genuine Sociedad yielded an equalizer in the last moment of stoppage time to draw 2-2 against Eibar on Tuesday, missing an opportunity to take fourth place from Atletico Madrid in the Spanish league and establish itself as a top contender for a Champions League spot. The hosts were just a few moments from triumph when Pedro Leon seized on a loose ball and avoided a guard before discharging a low shot underneath goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. “We were in control and had the match in our hands,” Real Sociedad coach Eusebio Sacristan said. “But we let it escape from us at the end.”
Juanmi put Real Sociedad in front with a header in the fourteenth moment and Gonzalo Escalante leveled with another header in the 26th. Carlos Vela restored the hosts’ lead by changing over a 67th-minute punishment, with both teams then down to 10 men at Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian.
Eibar safeguard Florian Lejeune was shown a second yellow card in the 46th and Juanmi was sent off in the 59th, also with a second yellow.
Eibar mentor Jose Luis Mendilibar was also dismissed, clearly to complain about the punishment decision.
Eibar’s equalizer came after Real Sociedad’s defense neglected to completely clear a long cross. Leon broke into the territory and cleared a protector before striking his left-foot shot.
Instead of acquiring a fourth win in five matches, the disappointing draw left fifth-put Real Sociedad level on 45 points with Atletico, which plays at Deportivo La Coruna on Thursday.
