Real Sociedad's Unlikely Derby Win Ends 178 Years of Athletic Supremacy
In a match that will go down in history, Real Sociedad edged out their arch-rivals Athletic Club 3-2 in the Basque derby. The goal that won it all was an unforgettable one – wet, wild, and perfectly imperfect. Jon Gorrotxategi's scuffed attempt on goal accidentally set up his teammate to score, sending teammates diving out of the way and supporters into each other's arms.
The tension had been building throughout the match, with both teams creating chances despite the rain-soaked pitch. Athletic Club equalised twice, but Real Sociedad's determination paid off when Gorrotxategi scored in the 92nd minute. The goal was met with a frenzy of cheers and fireworks, as if the very heavens themselves had been moved.
The derby has long been considered one of the fiercest rivalries in football, with both teams boasting deep histories and passionate fanbases. But what makes this match truly unique is its history – 178 years without an away win for Real Sociedad, that is.
"It felt like it was meant to be," said coach Sergio Francisco, reflecting on his team's first derby win in stoppage time. "If we could have written the script, it would have been something like this."
For Gorrotxategi, who scored his first derby goal after being born on the border with Bizkaia, the moment was nothing short of incredible. "I hit it with my soul," he said, recalling the emotions that poured out as he celebrated.
As Real Sociedad's players stood before their fans, singing together for the first time in years, it felt like a coming-of-age moment – one that marked a new era for the club.
Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde, on the other hand, was left to ponder what might have been. "It was like we were sleepwalking through the match," he said, reflecting on his team's inability to capitalize on their chances.
The win marked Real Sociedad's second league game in a row, and their 11th victory of the season. As they sit comfortably above the relegation zone, it's clear that this derby has given them a much-needed boost – one that will keep them fighting for what seems like an eternity.
In a match where quality was overshadowed by commitment and heart, Real Sociedad proved themselves to be the better team on the day. And as they celebrated their historic win, it felt like something truly special had happened – something that would stay with them forever.
In a match that will go down in history, Real Sociedad edged out their arch-rivals Athletic Club 3-2 in the Basque derby. The goal that won it all was an unforgettable one – wet, wild, and perfectly imperfect. Jon Gorrotxategi's scuffed attempt on goal accidentally set up his teammate to score, sending teammates diving out of the way and supporters into each other's arms.
The tension had been building throughout the match, with both teams creating chances despite the rain-soaked pitch. Athletic Club equalised twice, but Real Sociedad's determination paid off when Gorrotxategi scored in the 92nd minute. The goal was met with a frenzy of cheers and fireworks, as if the very heavens themselves had been moved.
The derby has long been considered one of the fiercest rivalries in football, with both teams boasting deep histories and passionate fanbases. But what makes this match truly unique is its history – 178 years without an away win for Real Sociedad, that is.
"It felt like it was meant to be," said coach Sergio Francisco, reflecting on his team's first derby win in stoppage time. "If we could have written the script, it would have been something like this."
For Gorrotxategi, who scored his first derby goal after being born on the border with Bizkaia, the moment was nothing short of incredible. "I hit it with my soul," he said, recalling the emotions that poured out as he celebrated.
As Real Sociedad's players stood before their fans, singing together for the first time in years, it felt like a coming-of-age moment – one that marked a new era for the club.
Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde, on the other hand, was left to ponder what might have been. "It was like we were sleepwalking through the match," he said, reflecting on his team's inability to capitalize on their chances.
The win marked Real Sociedad's second league game in a row, and their 11th victory of the season. As they sit comfortably above the relegation zone, it's clear that this derby has given them a much-needed boost – one that will keep them fighting for what seems like an eternity.
In a match where quality was overshadowed by commitment and heart, Real Sociedad proved themselves to be the better team on the day. And as they celebrated their historic win, it felt like something truly special had happened – something that would stay with them forever.
this derby win is everything! Real Sociedad's determination and passion have finally paid off after 178 years of waiting 
. The fact that it was a stoppage time goal makes it even more epic 
. I love how the coach described it as "something like this" - like they'd scripted the perfect ending. And Gorrotxategi's quote about hitting it with his soul is everything 
. It's amazing to see Real Sociedad celebrate and sing together for the first time in years, marking a new era for the club 
. Meanwhile, Athletic Club just had to wonder what could've been 
. This win is gonna give Real Sociedad a huge boost and it'll be interesting to see how they ride this momentum 
.
... i feel for athletic club, they were so close but just couldn't finish off, 178 years without an away win for real sociedad is insane 
this derby win is insane! I mean i've been watching these teams go at it for years and never seen anything like it. 178 years without a real sociedad away win? 
. i love how athletic club are already talking about what could've been though, like they're already dwelling on their own disappointment 
. but seriously real sociedad's fans must be over the moon right now 
they deserve it after all those years of suffering...or celebrating, depending on who you ask 
... Athletic Club's dominance has been a thing of the past for a while now 
. Real Sociedad's squad is getting younger and hungrier for wins, and it shows in their performance on the pitch 
Can they sustain this level of form for the rest of the season? It's hard to say, but one thing's for sure - Real Sociedad has finally broken free from their derby curse 
.
i mean we've been waiting for ages to see them break through, and what a way to do it - wet, wild, and perfect imperfection! 
coach sergio francisco said it felt like the script was meant to be, and honestly who can argue with that? 
this win is gonna give real sociedad so much confidence, they're already sitting pretty above the relegation zone. and let's be real, athletic's manager ernesto valverde looked lost out there 
it was a derby for the ages!