Real Sociedad 2-0 Ajax: Player ratings as Ander Barrenetxea and Takefusa Kubo struck apiece in the second half

Real Sociedad beat Ajax 2-0 at the Anoeta Stadium in the Europa League on Thursday. Ander Barrenetxea and Takefusa Kubo struck apiece in the second half to hand La Real a vital victory in their push to reach the knockout stages. It was just the second win of their European campaign, and languish in 16th place of the Europa League table with a mere seven points from five games. Ajax succumbed to their first defeat of the competition this season but remain sixth and well in contention to qualify for the next round. Here are the player ratings:

Real Sociedad Player Ratings vs Ajax

Goalkeeper

Alex Remiro – 7

Wasn’t really tested enough by Ajax forwards.

Defenders

Aritz Elustondo – 6.5

Struggled to get involved much before going off with an injury in the 49th minute.

Igor Zubeldia – 6.5

With five clearances, his vision was excellent, and showed good positioning too.

Nayef Aguerd – 5.5

Struggled to win his duels and appeared slightly sloppy on the ball.

Aihen Munoz – 5

Lost possession a few times and came a cropper in his duels.

Midfielders

Brais Mendez – 7

Supplied his forwards with a series of good crosses, while also creating a few decent chances.

Martin Zubimendi – 7

Expertly won most of his duels and distributed the ball superbly.

Luka Sucic – 6

Minimal involvement in the opening stanza; hooked off at the break.

Sheraldo Becker – 5.5

Unsettled by the pace of the game and sloppy in possession.

Forwards

Takefusa Kubo – 9.5

The Japanese international posed a threat with his directness and attacking instincts; even setting up Barrenetxea before bagging one of his own.

Mikel Oyarzabal – 5.5

Uncharacteristically misfiring on the night; spurned two good chances on the night.

Substitutes

Jon Aramburu – 7

Plucked the ball off his markers with great skill.

Benat Turrientes – 6.5

Created one good chance in the match.

Ander Barrenetxea – 8.5

Broke the deadlock in the 67th minute to fire Sociedad in front.

Sergio Gomez – N/A

Came on too late.

Umar Sadiq – N/A

Had only a few minutes of normal time remaining.

Manager

Imanol Alguacil – 7

Knew about the threat Ajax poses and set his side out to work their way patiently.

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Ajax Player Ratings vs Real Sociedad

Goalkeeper

Remko Pasveer – 6

Completely helpless in goal for both of Sociedad’s goals.

Defenders

Devyne Rensch – 7.5

Made three clearances and tackles each, while winning a total of 10 duels; a colossal display in defense.

Josip Sutalo – 6.5

With four clearances and two blocks, Sutalo was certainly solid in defense, while also dominating his aerial duels.

Youri Baas – 7

Read the game brilliantly and sniffed out any incoming danger; six clearances to his credit.

Jorrel Hato – 5.5

Not enough impact, even missing one big chance in the game.

Midfielders

Steven Berghuis – 8

Laid three key passes and six crosses to pose a big menace in the attack.

Jordan Henderson – 7

A constant supplier of amazing crosses for his attacking cohorts.

Kian Fitz-Jim – 6

Struggled to win his duels.

Forwards

Bertrand Traore – 8

A menace to Sociedad with his ball-winning capabilities, as Traore won nine of his 10 ground duels, and completed five tackles.

Brian Brobbey – 5

Had one chance, and he blew it.

Chuba Akpom – 7.5

Twisted and turned the Sociedad defense inside out with his dribbling skills.

Substitutes

Christian Rasmussen – 7

Replaced the injured Brobbey and fought valiantly for the ball.

Branco van den Boomen – 5.5

Offered no great shakes.

Jaydon Banel – 5.5

Very little involvement.

Owen Wijndal – 6

Plucked the ball off his markers a few times.

Kristian Hlynsson – 5.5

On the fringes for much of his cameo.

Manager

Francesco Farioli – 6

A drab performance from his side tonight.

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