What could be better than finishing the year with a victory at San Mamés? La Real beat Athletic Club 0-1 in an even match which was sentenced by Portu’s goal in the 5th minute. Three points to end the year at the top of the table.
A derby without fans is not such a derby, neither is an empty stadium. The match, this time, was played only on the pitch and there La Real has been stronger than its opponent. As soon as the clash started, Portu put La Real front as he went on target to score the one and only goal of the match. Oyarzabal provided the assist which enabled Portu to put Imanol’s side ahead. La Real was better in the first minutes but Athletic grew into the game leveling the match. The hosts went in search of an equaliser on their opponents area but Remiro did not have to intervene.
The second half started with a clear txuri urdin dominance. The realistas had two very clear chances but were unable to extend their lead. First, Isak hit the post after a free-kick. Then, Simon denied Oyarzabal and Zubeldia tried his luck but to no avail. The side from San Sebastián dominated the final minutes of the match but did not take advantage of their chances to add one more. However, they got a very important win. The strangest derby in history has been won by La Real. Hopefully, it will be the last without fans in the stands. Aupa Real!
Match details:
Athletic Club: Unai Simón, Capa, Núñez, Iñigo, Yuri, Vencedor (Unai López, min.56) (Raúl García, min.73), Vesga, Muniain (cap), Williams (Sancet, min.56), Berenguer (Morcillo, min.56) and Villalibre (Kodro, min.85).
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel (Sagnan, min.68), Le Normand, Zubeldia, Monreal, Guevara (Zubimendi, min.46), Guridi, Merino, Oyarzabal (cap)(Merquelanz, min.68), Portu (Barrenetxea, min.74) and Isak (Willian José, min.85).
Goal: 0-1: Portu, min.5
Referee: Sánchez Martínez. Cautioned Vencedor, Yuri, Núñez, Iñigo and Capa for Athletic Club and Guevara, Barrenetxea, Merino and Zubeldia for Real Sociedad.
