Real Sociedad see out season with victory

Jaume Domenech back in the fray

The Spanish goalkeeper, who hadn't played since Matchday 19, slotted back into the Valencia CF starting XI at Mestalla. Domenech was one of the revelations of the first half of the Liga BBVA season, but Gary Neville's subsequent preference for Mathew Ryan and the return to fitness of Diego Alves relegated him to the shadows. Neville's replacement, Pako Ayestaran, opted to reward the 25-year-old for the important role he played earlier in the campaign by giving him the nod once again.

Piatti misfortune sees opportunity knock for Sito

Just 39 minutes into the match, Pablo Piatti was forced off with injury. As a result, Ayestaran had to make an earlier-than-planned substitution and decided to bring on young academy graduate Sito, who took no time at all to showcase his pace and fearlessness.

Real Sociedad's youth-product parade

Eusebio Sacristan's lineup stood out for the number of home-grown players it contained. Alongside the now usual suspects, Aritz Elustondo and Mikel Oyarzabal, Jon Bautista got his first start of the season, while Igor Zubeldia was handed his debut as a second-half substitute.

Mina's near miss

Valencia's clearest opening came in the 71st minute, with Santi Mina just inches away from breaking the deadlock. Andre Gomes's pass picked out the former RC Celta starlet, who beat Diego Reyes to the ball and let fly, only for his effort to skim the post. Paco Alcacer also tried his luck on several occasions throughout the game, but was unable to find the back of the net.

Oyarzabal crowns breakthrough campaign

Just when it seemed certain that the encounter would end all square, Oyarzabal popped up to steal the spoils for Real Sociedad deep into injury time. The 19-year-old attacker latched on to the ball and smashed home after a combination of Domenech and a defender on the line had denied Bruma.