Defeat at San Mamés

Real Sociedad fell to a narrow defeat at San Mamés, with Sancet’s first-half header proving decisive in a tightly contested match. The hosts’ strong start ultimately made the difference.

Athletic started strongly, pressing high and disrupting Real Sociedad’s buildup, preventing them from settling into their rhythm. As the match progressed, the visitors began to find more possession, but a moment of defensive indecision just before the half-hour mark allowed Sancet to head home and give the home side the lead. In attack, Real Sociedad lacked sharpness and failed to trouble Agirrezabala.

The second half saw Prados with a chance to extend Athletic’s lead, but his central shot was comfortably saved by Remiro. Imanol’s side began to exert more control and created a golden opportunity to equalize, but Zubimendi, sliding in, narrowly missed the target from a Sučić cross. Oyarzabal also came close from a set piece, but his connection with Sergio Gómez’s delivery was off target. These moments marked Real Sociedad’s best spell, but time was against them. Despite a late push, they couldn’t find the breakthrough.

Defeat at San Mamés. Real Sociedad continues to struggle to find their best form in Bilbao in recent seasons. Perhaps next time. We are Real.

Match Details:

Athletic Club: Agirrezabala, De Marcos (c), Vivian, Yeray, Yuri, Galarreta (Herrera, 77'), Prados (Jauregizar, 60'), Sancet (Unai Gómez, 70'), Williams (Berenguer, 77'), Nico, Djalo (Guruzeta, 60').

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu (Aritz, 84'), Zubeldia, Aguerd, Javi López (Aihen, 74'), Zubimendi, Sučić, Sergio Gómez, Barrene (Becker, 60'), Take (Brais Méndez, 60'), Oyarzabal (c).

Goal: 1-0: Sancet, 26'.

Referee: Gil Manzano. Booked Prados, Galarreta, and Yuri for Athletic and Zubeldia, Javi López, Aguerd, and Sučić for Real Sociedad.