Elderson Echiejile Opens La Liga Account in Defeat

Super Eagles left back Elderson Uwa Echiejile nets his opening La Liga goal for Sporting Gijon on Monday in a 3-1 away lose to Real Sociedad.

The former Sporting Braga fullback was on target with three minutes left on the clock to deny the host a clean sheet as they were comfortably leading 3-0. Sociedad made an ideal start when an unmarked Willian Jose met a right-wing cross with a back-post header. Goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar managed to claw the ball away, but it had clearly crossed the line. Juanmi made it two, instantly controlling a lobbed ball into the area before cutting inside from the left of the area to make space for a shot and then wrong-footing Cuellar to score low inside the near post

The result already looked beyond doubt, but Berchiche made sure of the three points for the hosts. Played in down the left of the area, he scored with a first-time side-foot finish with his left foot. Echiejile's curling finish in the 87th minute at the other end was little consolation for Sporting.
Elderson Echiejile joined Sporting Gijon in January on loan till end of the season from Monaco of France and has struggled for playing time in recent weeks.