Defeat at San Mamés

Bilbao has been a stumbling block for Real Sociedad in recent seasons. Athletic, who played with greater intensity and took advantage of the two goals scored in the first half, defeated La Real 2-1 today. Despite pressing in the final minutes after Oyarzabal's goal, Imanol's team were unable to perform at their peak and lost the derby.

Real Sociedad was outplayed and unable to handle the ball in the first half, whereas the home club continued to apply their trademark intense pressure and created danger. Although they didn't create many chances, Valverde's side was superior against an offensively challenged opponent. Athletic took the lead just after the half-hour mark as Berenguer knocked in a cross from Yuri. Before halftime, the same player doubled the lead with another goal. Just before the break, Zubeldia came close to scoring with a shot that, after hitting the defense, grazed the crossbar.

In the second half, the txuri urdin managed to string together more coherent play and had better sensations, but it wasn't enough to dominate and narrow the gap. Though there wasn't much time left, they did manage to score. Oyarzabal's goal in the 88th minute gave the Realistas some hope, but it wasn't enough.The txuri urdin were inferior and once again leave San Mamés empty-handed. It's not the best moment for the team, but it's time to roll up their sleeves and move forward. The Copa is just around the corner. We are Real.

Match details

Athletic Club: Unai Simón, Lekue (c), Vivian, Paredes, Yuri, Ruiz de Galarreta (Ander Herrera, min.70), Vesga, Sancet (Unai Gómez, min.70), Nico Williams (Ares, min.85), Berenguer (Muniain, min.85), and Guruzeta (Villalibre, min.74).

Real Sociedad: Marrero, Odriozola (Aritz, min.19), Zubeldia, Le Normand, Tierney (Aihen, min.80), Zubimendi, Merino, Brais Méndez (Olasagasti, min.80), Zakharyan (Dadie, min.63), Barrene (Magunazelaia, min.63), and Oyarzabal (c).

Goals: 1-0: Berenguer, min.30. 2-0: Berenguer, min.42. 2-1: Oyarzabal, min.88.

Referee: Munuera Montero. Booked Unai Gómez for Athletic and Barrene, Merino, Le Normand, and Aritz for Real Sociedad.