- Harambee Stars foward Job Ochieng scores first La Liga goal in 2-3 away win against Elche.
- The 23-year-old also got two assists to claim a man of the match performance.
- The goal was Ochieng’s first for Real Sociedad and underlined his growing influence in the Spanish topflight.
Harambee Stars forward Job Ochieng announced himself in style in Spain on Monday night, scoring once and providing two assists as Real Sociedad edged Elche 2-3 in a thrilling La Liga encounter at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.
Ochieng was at the heart of Sociedad’s attacking display, producing a goal and two assists as the visitors secured a dramatic victory despite finishing the match with 10 men. His outstanding individual performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Job Ochieng scores first La Liga goal
The Kenyan forward gave Real Sociedad the perfect start after just 11 minutes. Elche failed to deal with a corner properly, allowing Carlos Soler to recycle possession and send the ball back into the danger area.
Ochieng reacted quickest, unleashing a powerful right-footed strike that flew into the roof of the net to put the visitors ahead.
The goal was Ochieng’s first for Real Sociedad and immediately underlined his growing influence in the Spanish top flight.
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Elche tried to respond, with Facundo Buonanotte testing Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero before Ezequiel Ponce fired over the bar. However, it was the visitors who found the net again.
In the 31st minute, Ochieng once again played a decisive role. He capitalised on Pedro Bigas’ poor touch before setting up Yangel Herrera inside the box. Herrera’s first-time effort lacked power, but it squeezed underneath goalkeeper Matías Dituro and found the bottom corner to give Sociedad a 2-0 lead.
Ochieng almost turned provider again before the break as Real Sociedad threatened to put the contest beyond Elche, but Dituro kept the hosts in the game.
The second half, however, brought a dramatic twist.
Real Sociedad appeared to have scored a third when Luka Sučić found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review. The situation became even more difficult for the visitors when substitute Jon Martín was shown a red card after his handball denied Abiel Osorio a clear goalscoring opportunity.
With a numerical advantage, Elche quickly seized control of the game.
Thomas Lemar pulled one back for the hosts in the 67th minute with a well-struck effort from distance before Fer Niño completed the comeback seven minutes later, controlling Tete Morente’s volleyed cross with his chest before finishing from close range.
At 2-2 and with Sociedad down to 10 men, momentum appeared to be firmly with Elche. But the visitors refused to surrender.
With the clock approaching the 90th minute, Ochieng again made his presence felt. The forward helped create the opening that allowed Sučić to drive into the Elche penalty area before the Croatian midfielder fired a powerful left-footed finish into the bottom corner to restore Sociedad’s lead.
Elche pushed forward in search of another equaliser during stoppage time, but Marrero produced a crucial point-blank save to deny Niño and preserve all three points for the visitors.
The victory ended Real Sociedad’s eight-match winless run away from home in La Liga and provided a memorable night for Ochieng, who was directly involved in all three of his side’s goals.
For the Harambee Stars forward, the performance represents an important milestone in his Spanish adventure. A goal, two assists and the Player of the Match award against Elche will provide a major confidence boost as he continues to establish himself at the highest level of Spanish football.
Real Sociedad will now hope Ochieng’s attacking form can become a regular feature as they look to build momentum in the La Liga campaign.
