Athletic Club - Real Sociedad
Euskal Herria Txapela Final

Athletic Club - Real Sociedad

Athletic Club
Athletic Club
10
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad
  • 22' Vesga

LocationLasesarre , Barakaldo

Athletic win the Basque Cup

The Lions win the Euskal Herria Txapela against Real Sociedad thanks a header from Vesga.

Athletic Club won the Euskal Herria Txapela (Basque Cup) after beating Real Sociedad 1-0. Mikel Vesga scoring the only goal of the game.

Los Rojiblancos delighted the Athletic fans gathered at Lasesarre Stadium in Barakaldo. Ernesto Valverde's side were in impressive form, pressing high off the ball and always going forward when in possession.

The Lions came out firing. With 10 minutes down, Alex Berenguer shot just wide with his right after cutting in from the left flank.

Midfielder Vesga made it 1-0 in the 22nd minute. Berenguer whipped a great free-kick into the box which Vesga managed to head past Zubiaurre.

Athletic had chances to make it 2-0 before the break. Iñaki Williams, who was very lively on the right flank, set up Oihan Sancet, who fired over from just inside the box. Not long after, the industrious Oier Zarraga troubled the Real Sociedead keeper with a powerful long shot.

The second half was certainly not as action packed as the first. Aitor Paredes came on for Yeray at half-time while Raúl García picked up a knock just after the restart and had to be replaced by Nico Williams.

La Real had a good chance with the left foot of Brais Mendez, who shot wide after a good move from Robert Navarro. 

Diego Rico was sent off in the 70th minute after a receiving second yellow, all but killing off the match as a contest. The fixture had also started to take its toll physically and Athletic's only major threat in the final 20 minutes came via a Nico Williams' effort.

Mission accomplished. Pre-season is now almost over, all that remains is the friendly against Deportivo Alavés this Saturday behind closed doors at Lezama.