Real Sociedad 0 - Villarreal 4

Real Sociedad: Riesgo; López Rekarte, Luiz Alberto, Labaka, Rossato (De Paula 65'); Karpin, Alkiza (Xabi Prieto 46'), Aranburu, Mikel Alonso, Gabilondo; Kovacevic. 4-5-1.
Villarreal: Reina; Javi Venta, Quique Alvarez, Peña, Arruabarrena; Marcos Senna; Héctor Font (Battaglia 65'), Guayre (José Marí 73'), Riquelme (Cazorla 88'), Sorín; Diego Forlán. 4-1-4-1.

Team changes: Real Sociedad: Rossato, Aranburu, Kovacevic for Garrido, Nihat, De Paula / Villarreal: Quique Alvarez, Sorín for Gonzalo Rodríguez, Josico.

Goals:
0-1. 58. Diego Forlán. Following up after defence failed to clear Javi Venta centre.
0-2. 77. Riquelme. Fired shot across keeper after Forlán laid back José Marí cross.
0-3. 81. Diego Forlán. Took return pass from Riquelme and shot into empty net.
0-4. 90. José Marí. Ran through from own half to shoot inside Reina's near post.

Villarreal proved once again that they are the most on-form side in the league at the moment, making it four wins in a row after thrashing a poor Real Sociedad side 0-4. The Basque side have not picked up a point in 2005, and Riesgo had to be at his best to save from Riquelme early on. And only an overhead kick by Kovacevic caused any work for Reina in the opposite goal throughout the first half, although Karpin did hit the side netting just minutes after the restart.

The floodgates opened after the break though, Diego Forlán starting things off after the defence failed to clear Javi Venta's cross shortly after Riesgo had saved from Guayre. Pellegrini brought on José Marí, and within a couple of minutes he sent Forlán away for him to set up Riquelme for a second goal. And Forlán got his second of the night soon afterwards, ripping the defence apart with a quick passing move together with Riquelme before shooting into an empty net.

By now the local fans were leaving in droves, white handkerchiefs directed in protest at the directors' box. And there were few people left in the ground when José Marí picked up the ball in his own half and charged the length of the pitch before placing a shot wide of Riesgo. It was the most impressive performance in the Anoeta stadium this season, and takes Villarreal up to sixth spot, just two points outside of the Champions' League places. Real's manager Amorrortu would be advised to check the job vacancies page in the local press, as on this showing he won't have long to go before he is on the dole.