It was not meant to be. In order to win at San Mamés, many things must be done well and Real was very far from its usual level. Athletic dominated the game in the first half and that led to a derby defeat.
Tonight, Real was not Real. The realistas were not comfortable due to the pressure exerted by the hosts, who had the txuri urdin side against the ropes. The locals were taking the lead in the first half thanks to goals by Williams and Raúl García. It was not a good night for the team from San Sebastián as they were unable to reach the goal of Unai Simón. To make things worse, Illarra left the field injured. A first half to forget.
In the second half, Imanol’s team tried to take a step forward. They had more possession and generated some danger. The goal by Isak could have caused headaches for the home side but it was disallowed for offside. It was a bad night for Real and that caused a defeat at San Mamés. We have two weeks ahead to continue working and improving. Aúpa Real!
Lineups:
Athletic Club: Unai Simón, Capa, Yerai, Iñigo, Yuri, Dani García, Unai López (Beñat, min.67), Muniain (cap), Raúl García, Córdoba (Ibai, min.74) and Williams (Aduriz, min.86).
Real Sociedad: Moyá, Zaldua, Zubeldia, Llorente, Aihen, Illarra (cap)(Portu, min.36), Merino, Odegaard, Januzaj (Sangalli, min.78), Oyarzabal and Willian José (Isak, min.55).
Goals: 1.0: Williams, min.11. 2-0: Raúl García, min.28.
Referee: Estrada Fernández. Booked Raúl García, Córdoba and Dani García for Athletic Club and Zaldua and Portu for Real Sociedad.
