The Whites fell behind in just the tenth minute as Sociedad netted with their first real attack via a free-kick which Martin Zubimendi converted with an easy free header. But Leeds equalised with an absolute rocket from Pascal Struijk in the 15th minute. A ball into the Sociedad box was cleared but only as far as Marc Roca who cushioned the ball to Struijk who then smashed home a thumping first-time strike into the bottom right corner from the edge of the area.Manchester City legend David Silva then missed a sitter in his bid to put Sociedad back front as he swiped at thin air from a pullback into the middle of the area and the failure to convert proved costly as Leeds bagged a winner in the second-half.
The Whites bagged the games third and final goal in the 58th minute as a through ball from substitute Joe Gelhardt was only cleared into the path of Rodrigo who coolly slotted past keeper Alejandro Remiro.
Graham Smyth, the YEP’s chief football writer, hands out the scores, from an entertaining Friday evening friendly at Elland Road.
1. Joel Robles
6 - Didn't have a huge number of saves to make. Couldn't get a glove on the ball for the opener. Distribution was okay. Photo: David Rogers
2. Rasmus Kristensen
7 - Some good work in both halves of the pitch, including winning possession for the equaliser. Got up and down well, his runs weren't always found. Photo: Jan Kruger
3. Luke Ayling
7 - Organised things well once Cooper had gone off, after a steady first half. Photo: George Wood
4. Liam Cooper
7 - Solid. Even when he struggled for pace he showed his experience to win the ball back. Photo: Jan Kruger
5. Pascal Struijk
7 - Lost his man for the goal but made amends perfectly with a beautiful finish to equalise. Some tidy football and good challenges after that. Won the ball for the second goal. Photo: Jan Kruger
6. Marc Roca
7 - Some lovely bits of play in the first half. Not as impactful in possession in the second but very solid. Got stuck in. Photo: Alex Pantling