Real Sociedad - Athletic Club

Athletic Club were beaten 3-1 in Basque Derby at the Reale Arena, a result that prevents them from climbing up the table.

Ernesto Valverde's side were undone by a couple of their own mistakes and a controversial call, a soft penalty given after a between Yeray Alvarez and Kubo. The incident, which came as Athletic were looking for an equaliser, also saw our centre-back receieve a straight red card, effectively killing off Los Leones's hopes of getting a result.

These types of matches are decided by details and the scales tipped in favour of the home side. Striker Iñaki Williams almost put Los Rojiblancos ahead but his effort was saved by Alex Remiro. Then in the 25th minute, Alex Sorloth's gave la Real the lead after escaping an offside trap.

It got even worse in the 36th minute when David Silva stole a ball before playing in Take Kubo, who beat Unai Simon with a left-footed shot.

Athletic needed to put their foot down and they pulled one back four minutes later. Yuri Berchiche, with some great work down the left, supplied Oihan Sancet, who sent in a lovely shot left-footed effort across goal.

With plenty of time remaining, and Athletic going for an equaliser, it was a questionable refereeing decision that finished off the game.

In the 60th minute, Nico Williams gave away the ball, Kubo mounted a counter-attack and went down in the box under minimal contact from Yeray. The referee pointed to the spot went to the penalty spot and, to the despair of the Lions, gave the defender a straight red card. Oyarzabal converted and the derby was over.

Iker Muniain's introduction, which made him the third most-capped Lion in the history of the game, was barely remembered. The Athletic fans at the Reale Arena, numbering around 700, gave their all in support.

That support will be needed again for the crucial double-header coming up at San Mamés: Wednesday against Espanyol in the Copa, and Sunday against Real Madrid in LaLiga.