Umar Sadiq: 10-man Valencia exact sweet revenge for Super Eagles star at Real Sociedad

Nigeria international striker Umar Sadiq enjoyed a memorable return to San Sebastián as Valencia defeated Real Sociedad 4-3 in a thrilling La Liga encounter at the Reale Arena, Afrik-Foot reports.

Sadiq came on in the 73rd minute with the match finely balanced before Valencia snatched a dramatic stoppage-time winner through Javi Guerra.

The Super Eagles forward played against the club where his career stalled following his €20 million move in 2022. A serious knee injury disrupted his progress at Real Sociedad, while criticism from supporters and inconsistent form eventually pushed him towards the exit door.

The atmosphere turned hostile when Sadiq entered the pitch, but the Nigerian responded strongly during the chaotic final minutes. Just moments before Valencia’s winning goal, he forced goalkeeper Álex Remiro into an important save after a dangerous attack inside the box.

Valencia then broke quickly on the counterattack, with Guerra firing home the winner in the 92nd minute to seal all three points for Carlos Corberán’s side despite playing with 10 men.

The victory carried extra significance for Sadiq, whose form has improved sharply since joining Valencia permanently in January 2026. The striker has now scored 12 goals in 39 appearances for Valencia compared to just five goals in 57 matches for Real Sociedad.

Valencia climbed above Real Sociedad into ninth place with 46 points, while the Basque side dropped to 10th after their European hopes officially ended.

Umar Sadiq’s Valencia revival gathers pace

The result also showed how dramatically Sadiq’s career has improved since leaving Real Sociedad.

During his troubled time with La Real, the Nigerian forward managed only five goals in 57 appearances. Since joining Valencia across two spells, however, he has scored 12 goals in 39 games and become one of the club’s most effective attacking players.

His strike rate at Mestalla has risen sharply, jumping from 0.08 goals per match at Real Sociedad to 0.31 goals per game with Valencia.

Corberán’s system appears to suit him far better. Rather than isolating him high up the pitch, Valencia use Sadiq’s strength and movement to link attacks quickly during transitions. Against Real Sociedad, even without scoring, he helped Valencia survive pressure and gave the team an outlet during the chaotic closing moments.

The win carried major consequences in the La Liga table.

Valencia moved up to ninth place with 46 points, overtaking Real Sociedad, who dropped to 10th on 45 points heading into the final weekend of the campaign. The result also mathematically ensured that Valencia can no longer be relegated after spending a significant period in the drop zone.

Incredibly, Los Ches continental dream is back alive with that win over Sociedad. If results go their way on the final day, they could still sneak into a European qualification position ahead of Getafe and Rayo Vallecano.

Valencia host champions Barcelona at the Mestalla on Saturday.