Kubo Finds Valencia His Happy Hunting Ground
Take Kubo breaks his four-month goal drought with a well-timed header against Levante, though Real Sociedad couldn't hold on for the win at Ciutat de València.
Kubo Finds Valencia His Happy Hunting Ground
The Japanese winger finally ended his scoring drought with a timely header, though La Real were left gutted after conceding a late equaliser at the Ciutat de València.
Valencia: Kubo’s Second Home
Take Kubo seems to have a bit of a love affair with Valencia. The Japanese international nodded home his second goal of the season just before half-time against Levante – and curiously enough, his only other strike this campaign also came in Valencia, albeit at Mestalla back in August on the opening day of La Liga.
Four months between goals isn’t what anyone expected from Kubo this season. The talented winger has been well below his usual standards, something he seemed to acknowledge when he apologetically gestured toward the travelling txuriurdin supporters after finding the net.
In a touching moment, Kubo also revealed a shirt supporting Jon Gómez, one of the club’s nutritionists who was recently diagnosed with a serious illness.
Ansotegi’s Faith Rewarded
Despite a poor showing midweek in the Copa alongside Brais Méndez and Carlos Soler, interim boss Jon Ansotegi kept faith with Kubo in the starting lineup. That decision paid dividends when the number 14 connected with Guedes’ cross in the 46th minute, directing a downward header beyond the Levante keeper.
Prior to his goal, Kubo had been trying to make things happen down the right flank:
- Several crosses that were cleared by Levante defenders
- A right-footed shot that was blocked
- A promising opportunity snuffed out just as he was about to pull the trigger
Second-Half Fade
Like the rest of his teammates, Kubo’s influence waned after the break as La Real dropped deeper. He did force a spectacular save from Ryan with a left-footed effort during a counter-attack and appeared frustrated when Oyarzabal opted not to pass to him during another promising break.
Both Kubo and captain Oyarzabal were eventually substituted, and they surely would’ve been proper brassed off watching from the bench as Levante snatched a late equaliser.
For Kubo, the goal represents a potential turning point in what’s been a disappointing campaign. Perhaps this visit to Valencia will kickstart his season, though the dropped points will feel like two points down the khyber for Real Sociedad.