The 1980-81 season didn’t start well for the donostiarras. They were at the top of the table throughout the championship but it seemed that they would not win the title. With ten games left to play, Real Sociedad lost 2-0 in Barcelona and were six points behind the leader, Atlético de Madrid.
However, from that moment and to the end, Real didn’t lose more games and Real Madrid lost heart. After beating Murcia on the antepenultimate matchday, Real Sociedad achieved leadership. Real Sociedad’s victory against R.C.D Español at Atoxa sent the team to Gijón, where they would play the most important match of their history. On April 26, 1981, Real just needed a draw to become League Champion for the first time ever.
The game started well for the realistas who were ahead on seven minutes through Kortabarria’s penalty. Nevertheless, Mesa drew in the last minute of the first half and also scored in the first minute of the second. At the same time, Real Madrid was winning in Valladolid and everyone expected a retelling of the same old story. In the last minute at the El Molinón, Zamora scored the equalizer giving Real Sociedad the championship.
Real Sociedad’s historical XI was: Arconada, Celayeta, Górriz, Kortabarria, Olaizola, Diego, Alonso, Zamora, Idígoras, Satrustegi and López Ufarte. José Mª Bakero and Larrañaga did also play in the second half.
