In the match between RealSociedad and Deportivo de La Coruña, played at the Anoeta stadium, the controversy centered on a play that led to a penalty and the expulsion of PabloMarín. The incident occurred in the 66th minute, when a long cross in the area turned into a decisive opportunity at the far post. At that moment, PabloMarín and NsongoBil were in a struggle inside the area. The Deportivo striker tried to finish while the young realistic youth squad marked him, and in the process there was a slight grab by Marín that caused Nsongo to fall.
Referee MiguelSesma, who was in charge of the match, interpreted that the contact prevented a clear scoring opportunity and that Nsongo would have reached the shot if it had not been for the knockdown. With this assessment, Sesma showed the direct red card to PabloMarín, leaving RealSociedad with ten players at a critical moment in the match. The decision generated protests among the fans of the txuri-urdin club, who considered that the visitor's fall had a certain theatricality and that the contact was minimal.
After the expulsion, Deportivo benefited from a penalty that was taken by Yeremay. The striker converted the shot, sealing the 3‑2 victory for the Galician team. The result left RealSociedad with a defeat that will affect its position in the table, while Deportivo consolidates itself at the top of the standings.
The episode revives the debate about refereeing criteria in contacts within the area and the severity of last-man expulsions. Sesma's decision, which focused on the alleged obstruction of a clear scoring opportunity, was criticized by the San Sebastian fans, who saw the sanction as excessive. The controversy also highlighted the importance of discipline and rule interpretation in high-tension matches.
As for the next steps, RealSociedad will have to face the loss of a key player and review its defensive strategy to prevent similar situations from happening again. For its part, Deportivo will continue to consolidate itself in the fight for the title, with the victory in Anoeta as an additional boost. Refereeing, for its part, will continue to be under scrutiny as the season progresses and matches become increasingly decisive.