Real Sociedad had plenty of early possession, but despite Alaves' disciplined defence, they were unable to muster a brilliant moment to break through. The White and Blues displayed a lack of confidence befitting a team that hasn't scored in three straight games. The greatest early opportunity came from Alaves, who are tied for the fewest goals in La Liga, when Jon Guridi broke into the Sociedad penalty area and was about to shoot when Igor Zubeldia swerved the ball wide.
Sociedad was energised by that let-down and pushed hard for an early goal late in the first half. Before Mikel Merino responded swiftly to a meek clearing from the Alaves defenders and attempted to lob Antonio Sivera with a looping header that landed on the roof of the goal, Hamari Traore tried his luck with an outrageous effort that drifted inches wide.