All-even between Athletic and Real Sociedad

Athletic Club and Real Sociedad drew 1-1 in the Basque derby corresponding to matchday 34 of the Liga BBVA. Aritz Aduriz put the Bilbao side ahead from the penalty spot, however Alberto de la Bella managed to rescue a point for the 'txuri urdin' side.

There was a spectacular atmosphere at the San Mamés and the first half was very close with chances for both sides. Real Sociedad had the opening opportunity with a cracking left-footed shot from Gonzalo 'Chory' Castro that went over the bar, however Athletic did not take long to respond. The goalkeeper of the San Sebastian side Gerónimo Rulli, had to make a great stretching save to send an Aduriz header out for a corner. Although Carlos Vela also looked for a goal insistently for the visiting side, half-time arrived with the scoreboard unchanged.

The second half began with two great setbacks for David Moyes’ men, as Mikel González was sent off having conceded a penalty for a foul on Aduriz and the Athletic striker then converted the penalty o make it 1-0. However, just when it seemed that the game had become really difficult for Real Sociedad, Alberto de la Bella got an equaliser with a nice strike that surprised Gorka Iraizoz. Despite the fact that both sides battled until the final whistle to tip the game in their favour, it ended in a draw. Athletic remain eighth with the result and Real Sociedad stay in 12th.