Derby glory

Real Sociedad secured victory in this afternoon’s Derby at Anoeta, defeating Athletic Club 3-2. The txuri-urdin, who had gone ahead on two separate occasions, clinched the winning goal in stoppage time with a spectacular thunderbolt from Gorrotxa, capping a dramatic finish.

The derby kicked off with the intense energy typical of such encounters. After a cautious start, Soler tested Simón with a first-time left-footed strike from Brais’ cross, which the Athletic keeper managed to push out for a corner. Shortly afterward, Oyarzabal had a close chance, but his shot went just wide. The visitors offered a timid response around the half-hour mark, with Guruzeta heading over the bar. Minutes later, on their third attempt, Real Sociedad broke the deadlock: a slick combination between Oyarzabal, Guedes, and an injured Barrene saw the ball played into the box, the captain nudged it with his knee, it fell to Brais, whose shot Simón blocked, only for the Galician to calmly finish into an empty net and put the txuri-urdin ahead. The lead was short-lived, however, as in another swift move, Galarreta whipped in a free-kick, Gorosabel controlled it and squared it for Guruzeta, who leveled the score just before halftime.

The second half got off to a perfect start: Brais provided the assist, Guedes executed a clever self-pass to get past Laporte, and then fired a powerful right-footed strike into the net to put the txuri urdin back in front. Real Sociedad seemed to have added a third through Zakharyan, but unfortunately, Take was slightly offside at the start of the move. A frustrating blow for the home side. Laporte came close to equalizing with a precise header from Navarro’s cross, but couldn’t connect cleanly. Moments later, the Athletic forward seized a rebound inside the box to finally bring the score level. Just when a draw seemed inevitable, Gorrotxa appeared in the area and unleashed a sensational shot into the back of the net, securing victory for Real. Ecstasy. Chaos at Anoeta.

Winning a Derby is an incredible feeling, especially when it comes in the final minute. These three points boost the team in the standings and keep their momentum going. Now, it’s time to savor the victory. The next match is on Friday at the Martínez Valero against Elche. Aupa Real!

Match Details:

Real Sociedad: A. Remiro, Aramburu, Jon Martín, Zubeldia, Sergio Gómez, Gorrotxa, C. Soler (Goti, 82’), Brais Méndez (Marín, 63’), Barrene [Zakharyan, 41’ (Aihen, 82’)], Guedes (Take, 63’) and Oyarzabal (capt.).

Athletic Club: Unai Simón, Gorosabel (Areso, 82’), Vivian, Laporte, Yuri (capt.), Jaureguizar, R. de Galarreta (Rego, 68’), Berenguer, O. Sancet (Williams Jr., 53’), Navarro and Guruzeta.

Goals: 1-0: Brais Méndez, 38’; 1-1: Guruzeta, 42’; 2-1: Guedes, 47’; 2-2: Navarro, 79’; 3-2: Gorrotxa, 92’.

Referee: José Luis Munuera. Booked Gorrotxa for Real Sociedad and R. de Galarreta and Yuri for Athletic.

Attendance: 37,685 spectators.