Jonathan Gomez continued his run in Real Sociedad B’s backfield, while Shaq Moore earned a rare start and got an assist for Tenerife in a weekend that saw all of the American action in Spain happen in La Liga 2.
Burgos CF 0 – 0 Real Sociedad B
Jonathan Gomez took up his usual spot in the right side of Xabi Alonso’s defense on Sunday afternoon, helping the team earn a tough point in a scoreless draw at Burgos.
In his 90-minute shift on the left, Gomez had 66 total touches, completed 32 of his 39 pass attempts, attempted one shot, and set up one of his teammates for a late attempt.
Despite neither team being able to punch their way onto the scoreboard, the game wasn’t without scattered moments of excitement.
Burgos midfielder Miguel Muños had a goal from the edge of the area disallowed for an offside infraction midway through the first half, then Real Sociedad’s Unai Elgezabel had a shot bounce off the left upright just past the hour.
Jon Karrikaburu nearly headed the visitors into the lead in the 73rd, forcing Burgos keeper Caro into a fingertip save, however the game was destined for a scoreless result, with the teams sharing the spoils.
The point leaves Gomez and his teammates five points below the surface, although still with 11 games left to play in order to avoid relegation.
Sporting Gijon 1 – 2 CD Tenerife
Shaq Moore got a rare start at right-back for Tenerife on Sunday, and rewarded his coach with one of his best performances of the season, serving up an assist in the team’s win over Sporting Gijon.
Samuel Shashoua also got onto the field for the visitors, playing the final 17 minutes plus added time and indirectly setting up the winner, as the team fought back for the late victory.
Moore began the game at right back in place of usual starter Jeremy Mellot. Over his 90 minutes, the USMNT player had 67 total ball contacts with 19 of 31 passing, made the assist on the team’s opening goal while setting up another close attempt later on, and attmepted one shot of his own.
The bulk of the action was saved for the second half, with all three goals coming after the break.
Uros Djuirdjevic put the hosts ahead in the 50th minute with a scrappy blast from just inside the box, which hit the underside of the crossbar and landed over the line for the 1-0 advantage.
This only lasted for three minutes, as Moore triggered the 53rd-minute equalizer. The American beat his man on the right flank and had just enough space to lift a cross towards the edge of the six-yard box. Enric Gallego rose high to head it in past the helpless Gijon keeper.
Gallego then won it for his team in the 83rd minute, with a bit of help from Shashoua.
The London-born American stormed up the left into the area and tried to finesse a shot inside the far post. It was deflected at the last second by a Gijon defender, however Gallego rushed in to emphatically fire the 2-1 winner from close range.
Tenerife remain in fourth place following the victory, firmly entrenched in the four-team playoff places, and four points below the second automatic promotion playoff spot. They return to action, and Moore will likely return to the bench, when they host second-place Almeria on Monday.
Notes
Yunus Musah was forced to miss Valencia’s scoreless draw at Getafe on Saturday due to a yellow card suspension. He’ll be well-rested and available when they visit Elche on Saturday afternoon.
Sergiño Dest remained on Barcelona’s bench on Sunday for their 4-0 demolishing of visiting Osasuna. Dest will likely be back in the starting lineup on Thursday when they visit Galatasaray in the Europa League, hoping to come away with a win that will see them advance to the next round.
Matthew Hoppe wasn’t in uniform for Mallorca’s home game against Real Madrid on Monday night.
Matt Miazga was left on the bench for Alaves as they lost 1-0 on the road to Real Sociedad on Sunday. With ten games left to play, they are three points underwater and facing a major uphill climb to avoid relegation.
