Sociedad Edge Athletic Bilbao in Copa Derby Clash
Sociedad Athletic Copa action delivered drama in Bilbao on Wednesday night. Real Sociedad beat Athletic 1-0 in the semi-final first leg. The narrow win gives La Real control before the return match.
Both sides started with energy in the Basque derby. However, neither team found a breakthrough before halftime. Sociedad looked calmer, while Athletic relied on quick counters.
Goalkeeper Alex Padilla kept the hosts alive early on. He denied Pablo Marin with a sharp save in the 25th minute. Soon after, he blocked Jon Martin’s effort from a precise free kick.
Mikel Oyarzabal also tested the defence with a clever run. At the other end, a brave sliding tackle stopped Inaki Williams from scoring. As a result, the first half ended without goals.
Turrientes Seals Crucial Advantage
After the break, Sociedad increased the pressure. Padilla produced a stunning one-handed save to stop Oyarzabal. Then Marin struck the post from the rebound.
Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde introduced Nico Williams in the 55th minute. However, the forward struggled to make an impact while managing fitness concerns.
The decisive moment arrived in the 62nd minute. Athletic tried to build from the back but lost possession. Carlos Soler intercepted the ball and launched a quick move.
Goncalo Guedes chipped the ball over the advancing keeper. Consequently, Benat Turrientes tapped into the empty net. The away fans erupted in celebration.
Sociedad now carry confidence into the return leg at Anoeta on March 4. They remain unbeaten in ten matches under their current coach. Therefore, belief continues to grow within the squad.
This derby proved intense, tactical, and emotional. Yet one sharp moment made the difference. The tie remains open, but Sociedad hold the edge.
