The visitors appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable victory after Job Ochieng and Yangel Herrera put Real Sociedad 2-0 ahead in the first half. However, Elche produced a spirited response after the interval and levelled the contest before Real Sociedad struck again in the closing stages.
Ochieng and Herrera put Sociedad in control
Real Sociedad made the brighter start and took the lead after just 11 minutes.
Job Ochieng opened the scoring, finishing from close range after Carlos Soler helped create the opportunity from the visitors' first corner of the match.
The goal was Ochieng's first for Real Sociedad, and the forward went on to play a decisive role throughout the contest.
Real Sociedad doubled their advantage in the 31st minute, with Yangel Herrera finding the net to give the visitors a commanding 2-0 lead at half-time.
Elche had struggled defensively in the opening stages, but the hosts returned from the interval with considerably greater attacking intent.
Elche stage stunning comeback
The game changed dramatically after the hour mark.
Real Sociedad thought they had extended their advantage when Luka Sučić found the net, but the goal was subsequently ruled out following a VAR review.
The incident also resulted in Jon Martín being sent off for handball, leaving Real Sociedad with 10 men and giving Elche a major opportunity to get back into the contest.
Elche took full advantage.
Thomas Lemar reduced the deficit in the 67th minute, before Fer Niño equalised seven minutes later, sending the home supporters into a frenzy.
At 2-2, Elche suddenly looked capable of completing a remarkable turnaround.
Sučić delivers decisive blow
Despite being down to 10 men, Real Sociedad refused to settle for a point.
With the match heading into its final stages, Ochieng once again proved decisive, setting up Sučić for the winning goal in the 90th minute.
The Croatian midfielder produced a superb finish to restore Real Sociedad's lead and complete a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Elche still had opportunities to equalise, but Real Sociedad goalkeeper Marrero produced a crucial late save to preserve the visitors' advantage.
Real Sociedad end away winless run
The victory was particularly significant for Real Sociedad, who had gone eight LaLiga away matches without a win before their trip to Elche.
It also represented their second victory of the 2026/27 LaLiga campaign, while Elche remain without a win after the opening rounds of the season.
Elche 2-3 Real Sociedad — Goals
Real Sociedad's victory was ultimately defined by resilience: despite surrendering a two-goal advantage and being reduced to 10 men, they found a way to score the decisive goal and leave the Martínez Valero with all three points.