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Following a crazy finish, La Real drew with Athletic in the LaLiga derby at the Reale Arena. The lions were in touching distance of the win but the derby ended in a draw. In the first derby without fans at the Reale Arena, Villalibre and Roberto López shared a goal apiece, which was the fairest outcome from the Basque derby.
The first half was similar to the one of the Copa final, with neither side asserting dominance in possession and no clear chances. Long range shots by Barrenetxea and Raúl García were the highlights of the first 45 minutes.
The second half began as a more open affair. Berenguer had the chance to further the visitors whereas Isak tried his luck for the txuri urdin side. La Real kept piling on the pressure on the visitors’ defence. Januzaj played Portu, catching the defence out, but his shot went wide. Then, Roberto López could have put us ahead after a delightful team move. Five minutes before the final whistle, Villalibre headed home to give the lions the lead. With four minutes left to play, Roberto López turned home a dangerous cross, starring in the deserved leveller.
The derby ended honours even as the battle for the European spot goes on. We didn’t get the win but we must value this point. Aupa Real!
Match sheet:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aritz (Gorosabel, min.62), Zubeldia, Le Normand, Aihen (Monreal, min.33), Guevara, Zubimendi, Oyarzabal (cap)(Januzaj, min.62), Barrenetxea, Carlos Fernández (López, min.70) and Isak (Portu, min.70).
Athletic Club: Unai Simón, De Marcos, Yeray (Unai Núñez, min.14), Iñigo, Yuri (Balenziaga, min.49), Dani García, Vencedor, Berenguer, Muniain (cap) (Lekue, min.69), Raúl García (Villalibre, min.69) and Williams.
Goals: 0-1: Villalibre, min.85. 1-1: López, min.89.
Referee: Sánchez Martínez. Booked Aihen, Zubeldia and Zubimendi for Real Sociedad and Dani García for Athletic Club.
