Data and Derby Success for Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad secured a Basque derby victory without much drama, grabbing all three points and cementing a comfortable third place. After returning from the World Cup break, Mikel Oyarzabal found the net again, pushing the standings nine points clear of a direct rival like Athletic Bilbao. The victory reinforced San Sebastián’s position as a strong title challenger this season.
Under Imanol Alguacil, the approach has been clear: press from the opening whistle and attack relentlessly. The squad recently added the exciting talent from Japan, Takefusa Kubo, who immediately influenced the game and sparked opportunities across the pitch.
Across the field, Kubo dictated play, freeing spaces for teammates. Brais Méndez opened the scoring within ten minutes after Athletic drew a late card and Unai Simón was beaten by a precise strike from close range.
Athletic Bilbao, with veteran players like Raúl García and Muniain on the bench, sought to take charge of the match and shake off the home side’s early pressure. A dangerous combination from the visitors briefly unsettled the hosts, but Real Sociedad’s defense, led by the Williams brothers, stood firm and Iñaki Williams was eventually contained before Remiro could be tested again.
In the second phase, Zubimendi made a decisive intervention as Bilbao pressed to close the gap. The ball fell to Sorloth, and the Norwegian striker converted to extend the hosts’ lead, while Zubeldia delivered a neat pass that set up another scoring chance that Sorloth converted as the team sought a quick knockout blow.
Then came a spell when Athletic briefly threatened to turn the tide. A miscue at the start of their reply gave Real Sociedad a chance to respond, but Silva and Kubos link-up created a compelling moment that threatened to end the game for the visitors. Sancet helped keep the derby within reach as the second half progressed.
Takefusa Kubo emerged as the postmatch protagonist on social media, celebrated for his impact in the San Sebastián pintxo competition and widely acknowledged for his performance on the night. This was highlighted by a notable post from Movistar Plus+ that captured Kubo’s influence during the match. Movistar Football shared the moment with fans in mid-January, as recorded on social media.
As the second half began, Sorloth sustained an injury and captain Oyarzabal left the field for treatment, with Muniain shifting to the left wing. The derby grew more heated as players pushed for decisive moments and supporters looked for a dramatic finish.
Minutes later, Oyarzabal and Yeray Álvarez produced key moments that shaped the closing stages. A red card was shown to Yeray Álvarez for a late challenge on Kubo, while Le Normand, Kubo, Sorloth, Zubeldia, Zubimenbi and Dani García were cautioned. The match finished with Real Sociedad maintaining their advantage and Athletic Bilbao unable to overturn the deficit.
Scorers’ timeline remained tight: Sorloth opened at 24 minutes, Kubо doubled the lead at 36, Sanset pulled one back at 40, and Oyarzabal sealed the game at 61. A remarkable attendance figure was noted as a large crowd filled Reale Arena, reflecting the derby’s significance for both clubs and their fans.
Oyarzabal’s return to form stood out, notching a standout goal after a nine-month absence from injury, marking a remarkable moment in the derby and underscoring his value to the squad. The coach, Alguacil, used the match to rotate his squad, giving minutes to Gorosabel, Barrenetxea, and Illarramendi without disrupting the team’s rhythm or its lead. The derby concluded with a celebratory finish for the home side and a constructive feeling for Real Sociedad going forward.
Data sheet
3 – Real Sociedad: Gorosabel, Le Normand, Zubeldia, Rico; Zubimendi, Silva, Merino, Brais; Sorloth, Oyarzabal, Kubо. Substitutes: Gorosabel, Illarramendi, Barrenetxea; remarks: Oyarzabal returned to form and Kubo featured prominently.
1 – Athletic: Unai Simón; De Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Vesga, Dani García, Iñaki Williams, Sancet; Nico Williams; Guruzeta. Substitutes: Muniain, Raúl García, Paredes, Berenguer.
Referee: Cuadra Fernández. A red card was shown to Yeray Álvarez in the 60th minute after a last-man foul on Kubo. Several players received cautions for various infractions.
Goals: 0-1, 24 minutes: Sorloth. 2-0 at 36: Kubо. 2-1 at 40: Sanset. 3-1 at 61: Oyarzabal.
Attendance: Reale Arena welcomed 38,342 spectators, setting a new attendance record with a wave of Athletic fans present for the derby.