Athletic redoubled their efforts to win the San Mamés derby against Real Sociedad. The Lions were superior in the first half and showed the accuracy to score the winning goal after a perfectly executed combination between Prados and Nico Williams, culminating in Oihan Sancet’s header from just in front of goal.
It wasn’t the game of the year at La Catedral, but the three points remained at home, which is essential after three consecutive draws against Mallorca, Betis and Valladolid. It is worth remembering that the Lions delivered a solid first half against the Verdiblancos, but only managed a draw due to their lack of finishing. Yesterday it was the opposite. The red and white team managed to win without multiplying chances, defending their lead in the second half. That’s also football. This is how we win.
Valverde surprised by offering a starting place to Djaló instead of Guruzeta. The winger has struggled to find his rhythm this season. Sancet once again made an impression in front of the opposing goal. The Navarrese player started the season well, better than in previous years, but was hampered by injuries, which led to a lack of continuity. The team needs his playmaking abilities as well as his eye for goal. He has already scored five goals in La Liga.
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A different class of game changers
This victory allows the red and white side to widen a gap of five points with Real Sociedad, a direct rival for European qualification. There is still a long way to go in the season, but it is already good news to have this gap after fourteen games played.
Belgium
