Athletic Bilbao Edge Real Sociedad to Claim Basque Derby Victory

Athletic Bilbao claimed a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad at San Mames in Matchday 11 of La Liga. All three goals came before the interval, with Inaki Williams opening the scoring, Luka Sucic leveling for the visitors, and Alex Berenguer restoring the hosts' advantage from the penalty spot.

The result brought an end to "Los Leones'" five-match winless streak in all competitions against their fierce rivals. Their previous derby triumph had come in November 2024, after Real Sociedad knocked them out in last season's Copa del Rey semi-finals with back-to-back 1-0 victories.

The evening started on a concerning note for Edin Terzic's side. Just five minutes into the contest, the hosts were forced into an early substitution when Marouane Sanadi picked up an injury, leaving the striker visibly distraught as Robert Navarro took his place.

The early setback did not disrupt Athletic, however, and they struck first in the 14th minute. Nico Williams lofted a pinpoint pass over the defense to his brother Inaki, who neatly chipped the advancing Alex Remiro to send San Mames into celebration. Real Sociedad gradually grew into the game and equalized around the half-hour mark when Luka Sucic drilled a left-footed strike home from the edge of the area. The visitors then pushed for a complete turnaround, but Unai Simon displayed his quality with key stops against Ander Barrenetxea and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Instead, it was the hosts who had the final word before the break. Jon Aramburu brought down Nico Williams inside the penalty area, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Berenguer took responsibility and coolly dispatched his spot-kick past Remiro to make it 2-1.

After the restart, Inaki Williams had an opportunity to provide a more comfortable cushion, but the visiting goalkeeper denied him in a one-on-one duel. At the other end, Simon had to intervene decisively once again, this time parrying a dangerous strike from Carlos Soler. The midfielder later had another promising chance following a pass from Orri Oskarsson, but could not hit the target.

Sociedad failed to find another equalizer as Athletic held on to secure all three points, sending their rivals home from Bilbao empty-handed.