La Real came away empty-handed from San Mamés. The side from San Sebastián were were imprecise today, unable to perform effectively and lacking in attack. A more forceful Athletic won the derby with justice.
La Real had a hard time playing their game. The hosts pressed well whereas the txuri urdin lacked the possession that they usually enjoy. They found it difficult to play their game and have long spells of possession which favored Athletic's steals and quick attacks. After a shot from Nico Williams which was well saved by Remiro, it was Iñaki who gave the Lions the lead after finishing a corner at the far post. The txuri urdin went into the break without having had any chances in front of Simon's goal.
Imanol's side had a better start to the second half and began to get closer to their opponent's area with more danger. Kubo could have equalized, but his right-footed shot was well saved by Unai Simón. Then, Williams got a brace and doubled Athletic’s lead to put the game to bed. In the final minutes, the realistas could have scored on more than one occasion but they were unable to reduce the deficit.
It was not a good derby for the realistas. If la Real is not able to play its game, it is not powerful. It’s time to move on. It is what it is. Aurrera, Reala!
Match sheet:
Athletic Club: Simon, Capa (Vivian, min.62), Yeray, Iñigo, Yuri, Yuri, Dani García, Vesga, Sancet (Muniain, min.78), Nico (Berenguer, min.78), Williams (cap)(Herrera, min.89) and Guruzeta (Raúl García, min.62).
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel (Artiz, min.46), Zubeldia, Le Normand, Aihen, Zubimendi, Merino, Silva (Navarro, min.82), Brais Méndez (Barrene, min.46), Oyarzabal (cap)(Cho, min.61) and Take (Sorloth, min.61).
Goals: 1-0. Williams, min.33. 2-0: Williams, min.70.
Referee: Soto Grado. Booked Capa, Guruzeta, Dani García, Yeray and Vivian for Athletic Club and Zubeldia and Le Normand for Real Sociedad.