Athletic Club - Real Sociedad

A total party at a sold-out San Mamés. Athletic Club secured their fourth consecutive victory with a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad.

The Lions move into third and are still in the ascendancy after winning a crucial derby, which moved them nine points clear of Imanol Alguacil's side in sixth place.

It was an electric clash. Los Rojiblancos kept plugging away and managed to put two goals past Unai Marrero. Alex Berenguer, with an opportunistic double, was Athletic's hero in this edition of the Basque Derby.

A great first half by Athletic proved decisive, leaving the Donostiarras with a hill to climb. Ernesto Valverde's side, led by the exceptional Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, went from strength to strength until they found a first goal. Nico Williams set up Yuri Berchiche, whose low cross found its way to Berenguer, who tapped in from close range in the 29th minute.

Athletic had the better chances throughout the first half. Mikel Vesga also went close with a header from a free-kick.

The second goal was pure precision. Yuri switched play, Iñigo Lekue ran with it and linked up with Oihan Sancet and Gorka Guruzeta, before Berenguer put away a low finish. San Mamés, 69 spectators away from its record crowd, exploded with joy.

La Real were stunned and in the final stretch of the first half, Sancet and Nico could have got a third on a counter-attack.

There was plenty of time left and the match became increasingly physical. There were ill-timed tackles on Nico and Unai Gómez.

Athletic simply dominated Real Sociedad, beating them in every aspect: on the ball, in defence, tactically and in the final third.

Only Mikel Oyarzabal's late goal, the forward deflecting in a shot from Jon Ander Olasagasti, provided a bit of late intrigue. But Athletic's defence made sure Imanol's men couldn't spoil the party.

Athletic keep flying high in LaLiga, but there is no time to waste, on Tuesday we take on Deportivo Alaves in the Copa del Rey and we'll need a fired up San Mames once more.

Valverde's team have already bagged 41 points, an incredible total at this point in the season.