Athletic defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 at San Mamés on Sunday in a fiercely contested Basque derby decided by goals from Iñaki Williams and Álex Berenguer. Luka Sučić equalised for the visitors before Berenguer restored Athletic’s lead from the penalty spot shortly before half-time.
The match began with an emotional tribute to José Ángel Iribar and Ignacio Kortabarria, the captains who represented Athletic and Real Sociedad in 1976. In front of a standing crowd, they recreated the moment when they entered the Atotxa pitch together carrying an ikurriña, an episode that contributed to the symbol being legalised a month later.
Athletic created the first clear opening when Nico Williams found Hugo Rincón behind the defence, but Berenguer was unable to finish the move. Maroan then left the pitch injured and was replaced by Robert Navarro.
The hosts took the lead in the 14th minute. Nico Williams delivered a long pass from near midfield that sent Iñaki Williams through against Álex Remiro, and the forward finished the move to put Athletic ahead.
Real Sociedad gradually took control of possession and began finding spaces in Athletic’s defence. Sučić levelled from the edge of the area with a composed finish, shifting the momentum towards the visitors. Unai Simón then kept Athletic in the game with two important saves after being honoured at San Mamés for winning the Yashin Trophy as the world’s best goalkeeper.
Athletic regained the advantage just before the interval when Nico Williams won a penalty. Berenguer converted the spot-kick, sending the home supporters into celebration while leaving the derby finely balanced for the second half.
After the break, Athletic continued to threaten on transitions and came close to adding a third. Robert Navarro produced a dangerous run from the halfway line, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
Real Sociedad increased the pressure as the clock ran down. Carlos Soler came close in the 72nd minute with a volley, but Simón produced another key save to preserve Athletic’s lead. The visitors continued to search for an equaliser, yet Athletic held on to claim the derby victory and the celebrations at San Mamés.
Sources: El País Deportes.