Athletic Club - Real Sociedad

Athletic Club remain unbeatable in derbies against Real Sociedad at San Mames. These are three vital points that move Athletic up to fifth in the table.

A great Oihan Sancet header in the 26th minute, brilliantly assisted by Nico Williams, secured a fourth straight home win over the San Sebastian-based side. Ernesto Valverde's men protected the goal for the remaining hour and never seemed like losing.

Although the footbll wasn't great, it was a great night, and it showed that Athletic have a very strong team which is difficult to break down.

They entered the game better than Real Sociedad and soon had their first chance when Sancet played Álvaro Djaló into space, with the striker's low shot being saved by Alex Remiro.

Ten minutes later, in the 25th minute, Athletic scored the decisived goal to the delight of the more than 50,000 spectators gathered at San Mamés.

Oscar de Marcos charged down the right, played a great low pass to Beñat Prados, who missed the target, but the play continued and the ball ended up at the feet of Nico. The winger dribbled his way into the box and at the far post found Sancet, who rose over Javi Lopez to head home.

It was Oihan's fifth LaLiga goal of the season and his third in seven derbies against Real.

Imanol Alguacil men gained ground, but never created any danger. What's more Athletic had the chance to score right at the start of the second half, when Sancet played a golden ball to Prados, who fired a shot into the hands of Remiro.

Another Oihan attempt was then blocked by the keeper. The Lions took their foot off the gas, but only the visitor's only real chance came when Martin Zubimendi caught a pass back towards goal and failed to score.

Julen Agirrezabala, who had taken part in a initial tribute to Unai Simón for the Zamora Trophy, cane off his line bravely came to sweep up la Real's desperate long balls.

Three important points and now it is time to gather strength for Thursday's European match against IF Elfsborg.