Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Real Sociedad
Victory in the Basque derby always matters.
Whether a clash in La Liga or the Copa del Rey, it’s what makes all those associated with football tick in this part of the world.
For football in the Basque country means everything and the Basque derby brings out the competitive and the best of both of these proud clubs.
The penultimate La Liga match of what has been a disruptive, dreadful, and in some cases, a tragic 2020, was never going to be any different.
Highlights of the game
Ultimately, few would have thought the contest would be decided by a goal after only five minutes.
Jon Guridi won possession before Mikel Merino found Mikel Oyarzabal and the Spanish international crossed for Portu who finished with aplomb beyond Unai Simon – one of the La Liga 2020 highlights to conclude the calendar year with.
It also meant Portu had scored in back-to-back matches against Athletic Bilbao.
The hosts had come into the contest at San Mames in 11th place, sandwiched between Real Betis and Levante. Meanwhile for Real Sociedad, without David Silva due to continuing muscle problems, they were in a lofty third.
This was a chance to extend their advantage in the table over Barcelona, who continue to struggle at home and abroad, although Sociedad had fallen off the pace recently – losing three on the bounce and winless in nine.
Once Portu scored, there was very little else to write home about during a stop-start opening 45 minutes.
At half-time, I was still confident my tip with the SBOTOP La Liga 2020 betting odds would see Athletic restore parity and level up matters for a draw.
Yet the San Sebastian team were determined to end their winless December and cement third place, albeit rivals have games in hand.
Their possession-based, attacking style of football may have caught the eye so far this term but it was from a dead-ball that they almost doubled their lead in the 63rd minute as Alexander Isak powered a long-range free-kick against the crossbar.
Igor Zubeldia then missed the target from close range when Simon spilled a stinging shot from Oyarzabal – making his first appearance since getting injured at the start of the month at his feet.
That was as close as we got to a second goal as the hosts missed a punch in the final third.
The lack of opportunities was not through any lack of commitment, however, as referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez dished out nine yellow cards with Sociedad’s Ander Barrenetxea even booked from the substitute bench in the first half.
Like Sociedad, whose faith in their academy is currently bearing fruit, Athletic also have a proud record of producing players with a top-class academy and a focus on producing homegrown talents.
That is evident by the fact they currently have 16 graduates in their squad.
Indeed, such is the reliance on homegrown talent that they went 884 days between August 2015 and January 2018 without making a transfer, bringing that spell to an end with the signing of defender Inigo Martinez from their rivals.
The fact they have failed to hold onto some of their most talented players in recent seasons, including centre-back Aymeric Laporte and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is also evident.
And based on this performance, they could do with strengthening in the January transfer window.
An important 2021 lies ahead for both clubs.
The postponed 2020 Copa del Rey final between the sides, now scheduled for April in Sevilla, could be the first Spanish match with fans in attendance in over 12 months.
Both clubs were offered the chance to play behind closed doors in August. However, the Basque rivals opted to decline the option to play without fans.
That should be some occasion!
Key statistics
Oyarzabal has been involved in five goals in his last six La Liga games against Bilbao (four goals and one assist).
Until today, Athletic had avoided defeat in their last five home matches against Basque sides (W3, D2), keeping a clean sheet in four of them.
What’s next?
A hectic start to the new year for Bilbao starts on Sunday (January 3) with Elche the visitors to San Mames before a visit to the Nou Camp to meet Barcelona next Wednesday (January 6).
That is swiftly followed by a clash with leaders Atletico Madrid to complete a run of three games in seven days.
Sociedad host Osasuna on Sunday in La Liga and then have nearly a week off before travelling to Sevilla (January 9).
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
