Thread by @kelvynbrown19

FT Real Sociedad 3 Athletic Club 1
Fantastic entertaining #BasqueDerby was settled by brilliant play & goals by Sorloth, Kubo & the returning Oyarzabal. Athletic played their part but LaReal just had a bit more quality on the day.

First Half LaReal played really well at a high & intense tempo particularly in midfield with their pressing being very good & the passing as to be expected was very good especially from Merino, Silva & Kubo because those 3 were fantastic at finding space not just….

Between the lines but all over the pitch.

LaReal didn’t create loads but took the lead after good work down the left side by Zubimendi he gets to the byline puts in a cross that is cleared Zubeldia wins the header & sends it forward towards Sorloth who brings it under control &

Gets a shot away & scores after fantastic show of control & strength.

LaReal made it 2 fantastic press as Vesga gives possession away a bit easily to Silva who plays the perfect pass to Kubo whos fantastic skill to nutmeg Vivian then score with a cool finish past Simon.

Athletic also contributed by playing well in spells didn’t maybe use the ball as well a they needed to cause LaReal more problems they struggled at times to cope in the middle with LaReals diamond midfield but when they got on the ball & switched the play mainly to the left side.

To Nico Williams who was direct & was able to get 1v1 against Elustondo on a few occasions he was able to put a few crosses into the box.

The best set up a volley for Inaki Williams his effort was saved by Remiro.

Athletic stayed in the game & got a goal back the ball is worked to Nico Williams & plays a nice 1,2 with Yuri Berchiche who does well to get in behind unmarked on the overlap his low cross picked out Sancet who finished brilliantly from a tight angle.

Second Half LaReal continued where they left off continued to play well controlled the half dominated possession especially after Athletic went down to ten men used it well such good passing with excellent, intelligent movement such a joy to watch.

LaReal made it 3-1 thanks to penalty for Oyarzbal for 9 months after being out injured after Yeray fouled Kubo for the penalty & then got sent off.

Mendez had the chance to make it 4 after LaReal won the ball back quickly Oyarzabal set up him but Simon made a good save.

After that LaReal managed the game well didn’t give Athletic a kick & deservedly picked up 3 very important points in the battle for top 4.

Athletic started the second half well were certainly competitive just lacked the final pass & maybe needed better decision making all…

Over the pitch especially in the final third as they didn’t create many chances.

Berchiche pushed on from left back more as they tried to help Nico get a 1v2 against Elustondo but they did switch or use the ball well enough to take advantage of what the switch of play can do….

Against a diamond midfield but that was made difficult because LaReal not only had the ball but press so well in midfield it’s difficult to have the time to play good diagonal passes to be able to switch the play.

Athletic with the quality they have could of done this a better.

Athletic certainly never gave up but after going down to ten men the game was done credit to them they never gave up just beaten by the better side. #RealSociedadAthleticClub #LaLiga #LaLigaSantander #LaLigaTV #BasqueDerby