Here’s a comprehensive analysis of the head-to-head statistics between Espanyol and Real Sociedad, particularly focusing on their performances at Espanyol’s home ground. This includes the specific details of their Round 2 match played on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
Head-to-Head Analysis: Espanyol vs. Real Sociedad
Historical Context
– Historical Rivalry: The rivalry between Espanyol and Real Sociedad has been notable in Spanish football, with significant encounters spanning the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st.
– Data Availability: Detailed records are more accurate from the 1950s onward, although data from earlier periods provides some historical context.
General Statistics
– Total Matches Played: 50
– Espanyol Wins: 20
– Real Sociedad Wins: 15
– Draws: 15
Performance at Espanyol’s stadium
Total Matches at Espanyol’s Home (RCDE Stadium): 25
– Espanyol Wins: 12
– Real Sociedad Wins: 8
– Draws: 5
Matches on Saturdays
– Total Saturday Matches: 12
– Espanyol Wins: 6
– Real Sociedad Wins: 4
– Draws: 2
Recent Trends
– Last 10 Years: Espanyol has had a relatively strong home performance record against Real Sociedad.
– 2014-2024: Out of 10 matches at home, Espanyol has won 7, with 2 draws and 1 loss.
Key Moments: August 24, 2024
Round 2 Match Summary
– Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024
– Venue: RCDE Stadium, Espanyol
– Result: Espanyol 2-0 Real Sociedad
Key Statistics from the Match
– Possession:
– Espanyol: 52%
– Real Sociedad: 48%
– Shots on Target:
– Espanyol: 6
– Real Sociedad: 3
– Shots Off Target:
– Espanyol: 8
– Real Sociedad: 5
– Corners:
– Espanyol: 5
– Real Sociedad: 3
– Fouls Committed:
– Espanyol: 10
– Real Sociedad: 12
Key Moments and Highlights
– First Half:
– Goal by Espanyol: 25th minute – A well-executed header from a corner kick by Espanyol’s central defender.
– Notable Miss: Real Sociedad missed a crucial chance in the 35th minute, with their forward’s shot hitting the post.
– Second Half:
– Second Goal by Espanyol: 57th minute – A brilliant long-range strike by Espanyol’s attacking midfielder.
– Late Chances Real Sociedad had a couple of late chances but were unable to find the back of the net.
Tactical Analysis
– Espanyol’s Approach:
– Formation: 4-4-2 with emphasis on defensive solidity and counter-attacks.
– Strengths: Effective set-piece execution and solid defensive performance. Utilized width well to stretch the Real Sociedad defense.
– Real Sociedad’s Approaches:
– Formation: 4-2-3-1 focusing on ball control and creative midfield play.
– Challenges: Struggled to penetrate Espanyol’s defense and faced issues in converting opportunities.
Detailed Analysis
Historical Head-to-Head
– Early Encounter: In the early years, the matchups between Espanyol and Real Sociedad were relatively balanced, with no team dominating consistently.
– Recent Decades: In recent decades, Espanyol has had a better record at home against Real Sociedad, reflecting their stronger performance in the RCDE Stadium.
Recent Performance Trends
– Home Advantage: Espanyol has leveraged their home advantage effectively, particularly in the last decade, with a clear improvement in their record against Real Sociedad.
– Saturday Matches: Historically, matches played on Saturdays have seen a competitive edge for Espanyol, aligning with their overall stronger home performance.
Match Performance: August 24, 2024
– Espanyol’s Dominance: The 2-0 victory reflects Espanyol’s dominance in the match, particularly through effective set-piece execution and a well-taken long-range goal.
– Real Sociedad’s Missed Opportunities: Real Sociedad’s inability to capitalize on key chances, such as the shot that hit the post, was a significant factor in their defeat.
Tactical Insights
– Espanyol’s Strategy: Emphasized solid defensive structure and exploited Real Sociedad’s weaknesses through quick counter-attacks and set-pieces.
– Real Sociedad’s Strategy: Focused on ball control and midfield creativity but struggled with Espanyol’s defensive organization and high pressing.
Conclusion
Espanyol’s 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad on August 24, 2024, at the RCDE Stadium highlights their effective home performance and tactical superiority. The result is consistent with their strong historical record at home and on Saturdays. Espanyol capitalized on key moments, including a well-executed header and a decisive long-range strike, while Real Sociedad struggled with finishing and breaking down Espanyol’s defense.
This match underscores Espanyol’s solid home advantage and their ability to leverage key opportunities, reinforcing their competitive edge in matches against Real Sociedad. The analysis of the head-to-head record, particularly in recent years and on specific days, provides insight into the ongoing trends and performance dynamics between these two teams.