Jon Aramburu's breathtaking 96th-minute header completed one of the most thrilling comebacks of the LaLiga season as Real Sociedad stunned Getafe 2-1 at the Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. Just when it seemed Juanmi's 90th-minute equalizer had rescued a point for the hosts, Aramburu rose highest from Takefusa Kubo's perfectly weighted corner to send the traveling supporters into unbridled ecstasy and leave Getafe's players and fans in stunned silence.
The match had initially appeared destined for a routine Real Sociedad victory when Brais Méndez unleashed a sublime 36th-minute strike that gave the visitors a thoroughly deserved lead. The Spanish midfielder collected the ball in the center of the box and unleashed a perfectly placed left-footed effort that arrowed into the top left corner, leaving Getafe goalkeeper David Soria rooted to the spot with no chance of intervention. This goal epitomized Real Sociedad's early dominance, as they controlled possession at 57.3% and consistently threatened Getafe's increasingly fragile defensive line.
Getafe, sitting 10th in the table with European ambitions still flickering, struggled to impose themselves on the contest for significant periods. Their typically direct, physical approach failed to trouble Real Sociedad's resolute defense, with the hosts managing a meager six shots compared to their opponents' impressive 12. Midfield workhorses Mario Martín and Mauro Arambarri battled tenaciously, but they found themselves constantly chasing shadows as Carlos Soler and Beñat Turrientes methodically dictated the match's tempo and rhythm.
The statistical narrative painted a compelling picture of Real Sociedad's superiority. Beyond their commanding possession advantage, they registered five shots on target to Getafe's three, while also winning the corner count 4-2. David Soria was repeatedly called into action, making three crucial saves to keep his side competitive, with particularly impressive stops to deny the dangerous Mikel Oyarzabal twice in the second half. At the opposite end, Real Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro enjoyed a relatively tranquil evening, making just two routine saves as Getafe's attacking threat remained frustratingly muted.
The match's dramatic turning point arrived in the 90th minute when Getafe's persistent pressure finally yielded dividends. Mauro Arambarri's perfectly weighted header from a set piece found Juanmi, who swept home a clinical right-footed finish from the center of the box to level the scores. The Coliseum erupted as the home supporters celebrated what seemed like a crucial point in their quest for European qualification.
However, Real Sociedad had dramatically different plans. In the sixth minute of added time, Takefusa Kubo's inch-perfect corner delivery found Aramburu completely unmarked at the back post, and the defender made no mistake with a powerful header that crashed emphatically into the bottom left corner. The goal sparked wild, unbridled celebrations among the Real Sociedad players and coaching staff, while Getafe's players collapsed to the turf in collective disbelief.
The dramatic finale encapsulated both teams' contrasting fortunes this season. Real Sociedad, who had been languishing in 15th place with just 16 points from their opening 16 matches, showcased the tactical quality and resilience that has made them perennial European competitors. Their patient build-up play and clinical finishing in crucial moments demonstrated why they remain dangerous opponents despite their precarious league position.
For Getafe, the defeat represents a significant psychological blow to their European aspirations. Having climbed to 10th place with 20 points, they had been quietly building momentum under their pragmatic tactical approach. However, this late, heart-breaking collapse will undoubtedly sting, particularly given how tantalizingly close they came to securing what would have been a valuable point against high-quality opposition.
The match also highlighted the transformative impact of strategic substitutions, with Real Sociedad's changes proving decisively influential. The introductions of Ander Barrenetxea and Luka Sucic injected fresh attacking impetus, while Getafe's alterations failed to provide the desired tactical spark. The nuanced strategic battle between the two coaches ultimately swung in favor of the visitors' more adventurous and dynamic approach.
Looking ahead, this remarkable result could prove pivotal for both teams' seasonal trajectories. Real Sociedad will hope this dramatic victory can serve as a critical catalyst for climbing the table, while Getafe must quickly regroup and maintain their push for European qualification in what promises to be a fiercely competitive second half of the campaign.