Athletic Club beat Real Sociedad 2-1 at San Mamés.
The Basque derby unfolded on 1 November 2026 under the lights of San Mamés in Bilbao, forming part of the 2026-27 LaLiga programme. Both sides entered the match eager to claim three points in front of a passionate home crowd.
How it unfolded
The opening stages were dominated by Athletic Club, who broke the deadlock in the 14th minute. Iñaki Williams received a through ball from his brother Nico Williams and unleashed a right-footed shot from the centre of the box that found the centre of the net, putting the hosts ahead 1-0.
Real Sociedad responded swiftly. Sixteen minutes later, Luka Sucic produced a left-footed strike from outside the area that curled into the bottom right corner, restoring parity at 1-1 in the 30th minute.
The balance tipped again just before the break. In added time of the first half, Athletic Club were awarded a penalty which Álex Berenguer converted with a right-footed shot to the centre of the goal, reclaiming the lead at 2-1 in the 45+2 minute.
The second half saw a flurry of cautions. Iñaki Williams was booked for a bad foul two minutes after the restart (45+4). Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal received a yellow for a bad foul in the 55th minute, followed by Mamadou Sarr’s booking in the 64th. Jon Aramburu was also shown a yellow for a bad foul in the 74th minute. Athletic Club’s Hugo Rincón added a booking for a bad foul in the 84th minute. No further goals were recorded, and the match concluded with Athletic Club holding onto their 2-1 advantage.
Standout performers
Iñaki Williams was instrumental, not only opening the scoring but also contributing to the attacking pressure that led to the penalty. His assist to the opening goal highlighted the Williams brothers’ link-up play. Álex Berenguer’s composure from the spot secured the decisive goal, while Luka Sucic’s long-range effort kept Real Sociedad in contention.
Match facts
- Final score: Athletic Club 2-1 Real Sociedad
- Scorers: Iñaki Williams (14’) – assist Nico Williams; Luka Sucic (30’); Álex Berenguer (45+2’, penalty)
- Bookings: Iñaki Williams (45+4’), Mikel Oyarzabal (55’), Mamadou Sarr (64’), Jon Aramburu (74’), Hugo Rincón (84’)
- Venue: San Mamés, Bilbao
What it means
The win gives Athletic Club three points from the LaLiga encounter, while Real Sociedad return home with a single point after the narrow defeat. Both clubs will look to build on the performances as the season progresses.
