Two historic players, Lakabeg and Goikoetxea, break down tonight’s derby in San Mamés, along with Loinaz and Gorriz, to cover all possible perspectives. Andoni Lakabeg (Bilbao, 55) was an outstanding right back who spent 8 seasons as a lion, during the late 80s and 90s, accumulating 213 games. He also had spells at Celta, Villarreal, Pájara, Amurrio, Sabadell and Castillo, and is very loved by both the fans and his teammates for his tenacity. However, he arrives at the game limping due to a problem with his right ankle that needs to be treated in the coming days.
What kind of derby do you anticipate?
As always, a disputed, tense derby, with fear of making mistakes and fear of losing. But I think Athletic is in better shape currently, and we will get ahead.
Do table positions influence this type of match when choosing a favorite?
We usually say there are no favorites. Well, normally if you come from a good streak, it is better than if you come from a bad one, but this is a special, different match, and how each team gets to the match is not decisive.
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Who can be the decisive factor?
I think it will be a more collective performance. I believe much more in the team than in individuals. It will be a close match; Real Sociedad has good players, but we, as a team, are performing much better.
San Mamés often plays a key role in tipping the balance.
The atmosphere really becomes a party. The fans are very passionate and understand the importance of the game. We hope it is the same this time.
What memories do you have of derbies during your playing days?
It was always a fun week, with the butcher and the fishmonger… everyone was saying, ‘You can’t fail this, can you?’ That added extra pressure. It was a lovely week, and the atmosphere created around it draws you in. I found it fantastic; It was very gratifying.
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The players got along very well.
There was a typical rivalry, and I always wanted to beat Real Sociedad, but I don’t wish them any harm.
We have been talking about the derby with Loinaz and Gorriz these days. What do you think of them?
I played with Mitxel; We were together in Sabadell, and sometimes we met. There were eight Basques there, and sometimes we would get together for lunch. It is a pleasure to remember old battles. As for Gorriz, what can I say? He is a legend, one of the classics of derbies and Real Sociedad.
Andoni Goikoetxea (Alonsotegi, Bizkaia, 68) is one of the great central defenders in the history of Athletic, having played 13 seasons and 369 official matches. He won 2 La Ligas, 1 Copa del Rey and 1 Super Cup with the penultimate great winning team, which marked a 40-year drought before a new victory in the Cup last April. He is currently a representative and ambassador of the Foundation. The couple with Liceranzu is historic. He also had a spell with Atlético de Madrid under the command of Jesús Gil.
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What type of match do you predict?
In 1975, my debut with Athletic was against Real Sociedad in the old Atotxa stadium. We lost 3-1, but it was a two-legged quarterfinal match. Then we played in San Mamés and won by the same score. We won 6-5 on penalties, and I scored my first goal with Athletic. Every derby has something special; That’s why I’m here next to the Cathedral talking to Lakabeg. This rivalry makes each derby unique. Athletic is playing very well; I love it. I enjoy goalkeeping, defense, midfield, attack, without naming anyone specifically, because I don’t want to overlook anyone. I think it generates a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and confidence, which Athletic has right now. But each derby is different, each one has its own uniqueness. The point difference is not significant, just two, which means that if you lose, they could overtake you. It’s going to be a complicated and tough game. I don’t know what will happen; We’ll have to see it at 9 PM, but I’m sure it will be beautiful and have good football. Real Sociedad has good players like Oyarzabal and Kubo…
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Athletic’s central defenders are in the spotlight. You, who played in that position, must be especially proud.
Two in the selection! That means a lot for Athletic. In my time, there were also Manolo Sarabia, Urkiaga, De Andrés, Liceranzu, Dani… that is good even for Basque football, that the selectors recognize the work in calling up these players. Paredes is doing tremendously well. Nico Williams has established himself as a great star in world football.
We also chatted in AS with Gorriz and Loinaz about this match; tell us about them.
Well, Bixio is from my time. Gorriz, Gajate, Kortabarría, Zamora and López Ufarte, all legends. They won a league. Gorriz was a bit like me, a good marker, dominant from above. Loinaz was a good striker, a great finisher, who came to Real Sociedad from France and, in a few months, went from playing in the French regional league to playing in Atotxa, for the team in his hometown, where he had always wanted to be. . He wasn’t a star, but he was a great impact player and was well liked. The rivalry is fierce. The stadium will be full, with a lively atmosphere, and that is important. Let’s enjoy it.
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