Real Sociedad

A tough blow at Anoeta

Athletic equalised twice but lost the Basque Derby after conceding from a set-piece in injury time

Athletic Club lost 3-2 against Real Sociedad in Saturday evening's Basque Derby at Anoeta. Although the Lions fought back from behind twice, a Jon Gorrotxategi goal in stoppage time consigned the Lions to defeat.

Athletic were dreaming of victory when Robert Navarro's timely strike made it 2-2 in the closing stages, but the Real Sociedad defender seized a loose ball to deliver a killer blow in the 92nd minute.

It was a rainy evening fraught with errors. Athletic went behind in the 38th minute when Ander Barrenetxea set up Brais Mendez with a stunning assist.

Athletic reacted almost immediately, when four minutes later a quick Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta free-kick found Andoni Gorosabel flying down the wing, the full-back's persistance led to Gorka Guruzeta getting his first LaLiga strike of the campaign.

Nobody expected the match to become an uphill struggle again straight after the restart. Gonçalo Guedes surprised the Zurigorri defence, beating Unai Simón with a shot across goal.

After warnings from Galarreta and Nico Williams, plus an Arsen Zakharyan goal disallowed for offside, Navarro's strike in the 78th minute was a shot in the arm for the Lions. However, Athletic failed to clear a corner and Gorrotxategi put the final nail in the coffin.

A tough blow, but now it's time to focus Newcastle.