Real Sociedad edge Wolverhampton 2-1 in Walsall as Óskarsson and Lebarbier turn the game
Real Sociedad vs Wolverhampton ends 2-1 as Orri Óskarsson and Alex Lebarbier erase an early Rodrigo Gomes strike to give La Real their first pre-season win.
Match snapshot
Real Sociedad secured a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton at the Bescot Stadium in Walsall, overturning an early deficit through Orri Óskarsson and Alex Lebarbier. The result — the Basque club’s first win of the summer — came despite the absence of several international players and a transfer window that remains quiet for the visitors. Wolverhampton took the lead through Rodrigo Gomes in the 17th minute, but Óskarsson levelled before half-time and Lebarbier’s curling left-footed finish in the 83rd minute completed the comeback.
The match provided a useful assessment for both managers, with Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side showing resilience after conceding and César Peixoto’s Wolves displaying promise but failing to hold their advantage. Pre-season conditions shaped the contest: many planned rotations, players building fitness and tactical tinkering were constant themes. With Spain’s summer internationals and other commitments still to resolve, the fixture offered valuable minutes for younger squad members and those pushing for places.
Early pressure and Wolves’ opening goal
Real Sociedad began brightly, probing down the flanks and creating the first real openings inside the Wolves area. Javi López produced a low cross that narrowly missed Óskarsson, and the Icelandic forward skied a counter opportunity that hinted at his readiness to lead the line. Those early exchanges suggested La Real would dominate possession and look to create through quick combinations.
Wolverhampton’s response grew more dangerous as the half progressed, with Mateus Mane emerging as a consistent outlet on the right. His movement unsettled the Real defence and led to the opening goal when Rodrigo Gomes capitalised on a defensive lapse to score from close range in the 17th minute. The strike forced La Real into a period of adjustment as they sought to reassert control and correct the errors that had gifted the breakthrough.
Set-piece issues and the equaliser
Following the opening goal, Wolverhampton produced a couple of set-piece moments that tested Real Sociedad’s organisation, bringing back memories of last season’s struggles defending dead-ball situations. An early corner saw Toti rise unchallenged to head on target, and a subsequent sequence exposed a fragile moment in La Real’s defensive transitions. Those episodes underlined why defensive structure and concentration remain a pre-season priority for Pellegrino Matarazzo’s coaching staff.
Real Sociedad responded by working the ball more patiently and earning multiple set-piece opportunities of their own before the break. The pressure paid off in the 34th minute when Orri Óskarsson seized on a chance from outside the area and fired a right-footed drive that found the net. The leveller restored equilibrium and gave the visitors momentum heading into the interval, with Óskarsson’s strike serving as a timely reminder of his composure and finishing ability.
Second-half changes and control
The halftime interval brought wholesale changes from Wolves, as Coach César Peixoto substituted all ten outfield players, a clear signal that the fixture’s primary objective was assessment rather than results. Those rotations altered the dynamic of the game and tested both benches’ ability to manage fresh personnel. Real Sociedad retained a larger share of the game’s rhythm as the second half progressed, using controlled possession to manage the match’s tempo.
Early in the second period Real chances continued to arrive, including a free-kick from Turrientes that drifted narrowly wide and a close-range effort from Mateus Mane that almost restored Wolves’ lead. Despite those flashes, La Real’s more consistent control and sharper passing patterns kept them on top territory, and they gradually began to manufacture openings that would tilt the contest back in their favour. The pattern reflected a side moving through pre-season build-up with improved cohesion and intent.
Decisive moments and Lebarbier’s strike
As the fixture entered its final quarter, Wolves sought to respond through targeted substitutions meant to inject energy and test tactical alternatives. Aihen’s last-ditch block prevented Lima from levelling, illustrating the narrow margins between the teams. That defensive intervention proved decisive as Real Sociedad seized the initiative shortly afterwards.
Alex Lebarbier produced the match-winning contribution, arrowing a left-footed curling shot from distance into the net in the 83rd minute. The strike arrived from outside the area after a loose ball was recycled to Lebarbier, who displayed both technique and composure to bend the ball past the goalkeeper. His finish completed the turnaround and proved the difference in a game that showcased both teams’ experimental line-ups and developing shapes.
Players who stood out
Orri Óskarsson’s equaliser and constant nuisance in attack highlighted why he is being entrusted with significant minutes during the pre-season programme. His willingness to run in behind, take shots from the edge of the area and create chances for teammates reinforced his role as a focal point for La Real’s forward play. Óskarsson’s finishing touched the match at a key moment and offered a reminder of his genuine potential.
Alex Lebarbier’s late contribution also underscored the depth available to Pellegrino Matarazzo, with the midfielder’s capacity to score from distance adding a different dimension to Real’s attacking repertoire. On the other side, Rodrigo Gomes impressed early with his opportunism to open the scoring, while Mateus Mane produced dangerous moments that kept the visitors honest. Goalkeeper Marrero made several important saves that prevented a wider Wolves lead and anchored Real’s defensive efforts.
Tactical takeaways and fitness focus
Tactically, the fixture delivered useful information for both coaching staffs as they prepare for the competitive season. Real Sociedad’s ability to control long spells of possession and create from wide areas signalled an intention to use the ball fluently and apply pressure through movement. At the same time, their vulnerability on set pieces and during quick transitions highlighted two areas that remain under evaluation ahead of the first official fixtures.
Wolverhampton’s extensive rotations reflected a coaching emphasis on assessing squad options and workload management at this stage of pre-season. Their initial success through a close-range finish illustrated a capacity to punish opposition errors, but the inability to withstand late pressure and defend long-range shots will likely be addressed in training. Overall, both teams emerged with actionable insights about match fitness, tactical cohesion and individual readiness.
Match details and lineups
The official match details list Wolves’ starting lineup as Bentley; Tripier, Mosquera, Toti, Hugo Bueno; Rodrigo Gomes, Andre, Monetsi, Mateus Mane; Doyle and Edozie. Substitute appearances included Armstrong, Lima, Chirewa, Djiga, Traore and Tchatchoua, with César Peixoto listed as head coach. Real Sociedad started Marrero; Aramburu, Jon Martín, Zubeldia, Javi López; Ibai Aguirre, Yangel Herrera; Barrenetxea, Zakharyan, Ochieng; Óskarsson. Additional players used by Real included Rupérez, Beitia, Pacheco, Aihen, Lebarbier, Turrientes, Díaz, Soler, Marchal, Carrera, Sergio Gómez, Fraga and Goti, with Pellegrino Matarazzo in charge.
Craig Pawson was the match referee and the fixture took place at the Bescot Stadium in Walsall, England. Goal scoring saw Rodrigo Gomes open the scoring in the 17th minute, Orri Óskarsson pull Real Sociedad level in the 34th minute, and Alex Lebarbier secure the 83rd-minute winner with a well-taken curling effort. The result gives Real Sociedad valuable momentum as they continue preparations with a mix of senior absences and youth involvement.
The victory carries importance beyond the single result because several first-team players were not available for Real Sociedad, including those returning late from international duty. The absence of internationals such as Mikel Oyarzabal, Gonçalo Guedes, Sucic and Kubo means the coaching staff will continue testing formations and personnel until the squad is at full strength. That context makes the win a confidence booster and a practical platform for squad members seeking to stake a claim.
Real Sociedad’s pre-season now moves into a phase focused on integrating returning internationals and refining defensive organisation, particularly on set pieces and transitional moments. Wolverhampton will take from the match both the positives of early attacking intent and the reminders about concentration needed in the closing stages. Both sides benefit from the minutes and the chance to identify adjustments ahead of competitive commitments.
The result at Walsall adds one more line to pre-season work sheets but offers tangible evidence that La Real can respond under pressure and convert chances from distance. The players who seized opportunities on the night will press for more minutes, while coaches will continue to shape their plans before the domestic season commences.
