MALAGA, Spain - Japan attacker Takefusa Kubo marked his return to the Real Sociedad starting lineup with a goal and an assist during a 5-2 win over Malaga in Spain's La Liga on Sunday.
Making his first start in seven games across all competitions, Kubo opened his account for the season as he gave the visitors the lead after just three minutes at Malaga's La Rosaleda stadium.
The 25-year-old cut in from the right before unleashing a left-footed strike from the edge of the box that curled around Malaga keeper Alfonso Herrero and inside the far post.
Kubo also assisted Mikel Oyarzabal in the 59th minute as the Spanish international put Sociedad up 3-1 with the first of his two goals for the match.
The Samurai Blue standout headed to the bench in the 71st minute with his team leading 5-1.
Elsewhere in Europe, Japan defender Koki Machida played the full 90 minutes for German Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim in a 2-1 win over a Borussia Monchengladbach side featuring compatriots Zento Uno, Shuto Machino and Daiki Hashioka.
