Two goals from set pieces condemned la Real tonight at San Mamés and gave the home side the derby. Moreover, the hosts added two more goals with 10 minutes left on the clock.
La Real started the match as usual, wanting to enjoy good possession. For its part, Athletic started with a high press but it was the visitors who produced the first dangerous move. However, Merino’s shot went wide and failed to find the net. On minute 30, Mateu Lahoz, from the VAR room, 'forced' Martínez Munuera to intervene and award Athletic a latest generation penalty that was fined saved by Remiro.
The game was an even affair as the teams emerged from the dressing rooms after half-time. Nevertheless, the goal came on 68’ courtesy of a Vivian header from a corner kick. Just four minutes later, Sancet doubled the hosts’ lead from another corner. This was a hard blow for la Real who tried to get back into the game but to no avail. Then, on minute 80, Williams added a third for Athletic from close range. On minute 88, Zubimendi tried his luck with a shot that hit the post. Muniain fired the fourth on minute 89 to put the game to bed.
Defeat in a derby decided by strategy. We have to move on because we've got to look for a place in the round of 16 of the Europa League on Thursday. It is the most important thing. Let's do this lads! Aupa, Real!
Match details:
Athletic Club: Simón, De Marcos (Pecharroman, min.90), Vivian, Iñigo, Yuri (Balenciaga, min.90), Dani García, Vesga (Vencedor, min.63), Muniain (cap), Berenguer, Raúl García (Sancet, min.63) and Williams (Villalibre, min.87).
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Aihen, Zubimendi, Merino (Guridi, min.62), Silva (Rafael, min.62), Oyarzabal (cap)(Lobete, min.87), Portu (Martín, min.73) and Sorloth (Djouahra, min.73).
Goals: 1-0: Vivian, min.68. 2-0: Sancet, min.72. 3-0: Williams, min.80. 4-0: Muniain, min.89.
Referee: Martínez Munuera. Booked Raúl García, Iñigo, Dani García and Berenguer for Athletic and Silva for Real Sociedad.