Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Real Sociedad
Athletic Bilbao continued their fine form to their La Liga season by defeating derby rivals Real Sociedad 2-0 last Friday night at the San Mames Stadium.
Just like their stellar performance recently against FC Barcelona in the curtain-raiser, Spanish forward Inaki Williams set the tone throughout the game by giving Bilbao the lead at the 11th minute.
Los Leones’ midfielder Raul Garcia added one more goal after a few minutes and the club continued to control the game from there against the struggling visitors.
Athletic Bilbao rose to the top of the table with seven points after this win. Their La Liga 2019 odds of finishing at the top four are looking good so far and they are tied with Sevilla who also have two wins in one draw.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad sank to the ninth of the table with one win, loss, and a draw. They are currently on a six-way tie with the likes of Real Madrid, Valladolid, Alaves, Osasuna, and Celta Vigo with four points.
Let SBOBET take you to the riveting game last Friday to re-live some of the best La Liga 2019 highlights.
Highlights of the game
In what was a touching tribute before kickoff, all attendants in the San Mames Stadium stood in silence to extend their condolences to former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique’s daughter, Xana, who died earlier this week.
But even after that touching moment, it was hostilities all evening as these rivals went toe-to-toe, at least in the match’s first few minutes.
The game went back and forth as both clubs tried their best for a clear shot on target, but to no avail.
However, after 11 minutes, Inaki Williams drew first blood by scoring a lovely goal after a nice assist from Ander Capa. After a throw-in over at the right flank, Iker Munian drew over a deft touch inside the box for the winger to cross it over to the streaking Williams for a score.
It was physical and intense as expected with both squads trying to get the upper hand. A total of five yellow cards were given away for this match.
After a skirmish near inside the box, Real Sociedad appealed for a penalty kick. However, with the action just outside the box, the VAR ruled it for a free kick instead much to the dismay of the road team with Bilbao’s defence standing their ground.
The lead was doubled at around the 28th minute – thanks to a long-ranged leftie strike by Raul Garcia. Real Sociedad goalkeeper Manuel Moya got his hands on the ball but the tap went inside towards the net. Otherwise, it could’ve been a wonderful save.
After an attempt for a header, Asier Illarramendi had an awkward landing and he was carted off due to a severe ankle injury. The 29-year-old defender was not able to return in this game.
Trying to make amends for the muffed attempt of a save a while ago, Moya this time deflected the ball away successfully after another long-range attempt by Los Leones.
La Real tried to stage a comeback after the end of the first half. They finally got their offence going, but only in the earlier stages.
Swedish youngster Alexander Isak did a header to put the ball in the net for the road team but his effort was deemed futile after it was ruled offside by the VAR.
Real Sociedad never gave up in trying scoring in this game. Substitute Luca Sangalli let off a strong strike just inside the box only to be saved by Unai Simon, who has done a great job in helping Athletic Bilbao post a clean sheet.
Los Leones continued to dictate the tempo in the match’s last few minutes and they almost chipped in their third goal care of Yuri Berchiche.
The game ended with Unai Simon pumping his fists after he parried another La Real attempt. It was the best chance of a goal for Real Sociedad.
Key statistics
It’s no secret that Athletic Bilbao dominated in this game. They had more total shots (15) and shots on target (5) in this game.
Surprisingly, Real Sociedad had more possession (61-per cent) and completed passes in this game (486).
34 total fouls were whistled by the referee and five yellow cards were handed out.
With the victory, Bilbao snapped its three-game losing streak against their bitter rivals.
What’s next?
The home team will face RCD Mallorca in the fourth matchday, while Real Sociedad will go up against the revamped Atletico Madrid on September 15.
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