The derby stayed at home once again. Real Sociedad, with maximum accuracy, overcome Athletic in a sober match where Le Normand, Take, and Oyarzabal's goals secured three points for a team that, as usual, brought joy to the over 38,000 fans who filled the Reale Arena.
The derby started very intense and contested but without clarity in the attacking zone. Real had a slight edge, and Athletic defended well. The breakthrough came after half an hour. From a corner taken by Brais, the ball ended up loose in the box, and Le Normand, displaying killer instincts, volleyed it powerfully into the net. Immediately after, Athletic had a great chance to equalize, but the elder Williams couldn't push his brother's dangerous cross into the goal. These moments were the highlights of the first half.
At the beginning of the second half, we went from what could have been a 1-1 draw to leading 2-0. Following a defensive lapse by Real Sociedad, Iñaki Williams had a chance for an equalizer with a shot that went just wide of the post. Right after that, a well-executed play by the txuri urdin attack saw Kubo score the second by beating Unai Simón. Two-nil due to efficiency, with both teams having two chances each, but it was the side from San Sebastian who found the net. The game progressed, and with a precise pass from Zubimendi, Oyarzabal found himself one-on-one with Simón, dribbled past him, and scored the third to put the game to bed.
A triumph for Imanol's team on their upward trajectory. Winning a derby is beautiful. Go, Real Sociedad!
Match details:
Real Sociedad: Remiro Traoré, Zubeldia, Le Normand (Pacheco, min.61), Tierney (Aihen, min.25), Zubimendi, Merino (cap)(Turrientes, min.81), Brais Méndez, Barrene (Oyarzabal, min.61), Take, and Sadiq (André Silva, min.61).
Athletic Club: Unai Simón, De Marcos, Vivian (Paredes, min.76), Yeray, Yuri, Dani García, Ander Herrera (Prados, min.71), Muniain (Raúl García, min.71), Iñaki Williams, Nico Williams (Berenguer, min.64), and Guruzeta (Villalibre, min.46).
Goals: 1-0: Le Normand, min.30. 2-0: Take, min.48. 3-0: Oyarzabal, min.66.
Referee: Gil Manzano. Booked Merino and Zubeldia for Real Sociedad and Ander Herrera and Vivian for Athletic.
Attendance: 38,229 spectators.