Real Sociedad climb to fifth in LaLiga after taking 16 of the last 21 points

Real Sociedad confirmed their remarkable climb up the LaLiga table on matchday 9 by securing fifth place. The team from San Sebastián beat bottom side Málaga and took full advantage of stumbles from several European rivals, including Sevilla, who lost at the Santiago Bernabéu.

• Real Sociedad have picked up 16 of the last 21 points available in LaLiga.
• The Basque club overtakes Sevilla and moves into fifth place.
• Only Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have earned more points in the last seven matchdays.
• The win came against Málaga, who sit at the bottom of the table.

Real Sociedad's comeback from the lower part of the table

The start of the season placed Real Sociedad in a difficult position. After losing their first two league matches, the team occupied the last spot in the standings. That poor beginning suggested a tough campaign ahead, but the group led by Imanol Alguacil responded with unexpected authority.

Since matchday 3, the San Sebastián side have earned five wins, one draw and a single defeat. That record has allowed them to climb steadily and become one of the early surprises of the season.

A perfect matchday thanks to their rivals' setbacks

The victory over Málaga was not the only factor behind Real Sociedad's rise. Matchday 9 proved especially favourable for the Basque club because several teams ahead of them failed to win.

Betis, one of the six clubs above them before the weekend, could not take all three points. Teams below them also dropped points, including Deportivo Alavés, Deportivo de A Coruña, Athletic Bilbao, Villarreal and Espanyol. Real Sociedad therefore ended the weekend as one of the biggest beneficiaries.

Sevilla lose at the Bernabéu and surrender fifth place

Sevilla started matchday 9 in fifth place, but their defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid opened the door for Real Sociedad. The Andalusian side could not defend their position and ended up losing it to a team that did not waste the chance.

As a result, Real Sociedad climb above Sevilla and take over a spot that leads to European competition. Their push over recent weeks has been so strong that they are now the third best team over that stretch, only behind Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.

Numbers that back Real Sociedad's current form

Real Sociedad's performance over the last seven matchdays becomes even more impressive when compared to other European contenders. While the Basque side collected 16 points, Villarreal earned nine fewer; Sevilla picked up eight fewer; Athletic, seven fewer; and Celta, six fewer.

Those differences show that the climb has not been a matter of luck, but of superior consistency against direct rivals. The win over bottom side Málaga confirmed that the team manages matches they are expected to win with little trouble.

What being fifth means for Real Sociedad's season

Sitting in fifth place at this stage of the campaign gives Real Sociedad real competitive value. The team has gone from looking at the lower part of the table to becoming serious candidates for a European spot throughout the season.

Their home form and overall solidity strengthen that candidacy. The squad has responded to a demanding schedule and the supporters are starting to dream again of European nights like those enjoyed in recent campaigns.