Athletic Basque in derby success

Athletic Bilbao completed a La Liga double over Basque rivals Real Sociedad as a Raul Garcia penalty and Inaki Williams strike won the derby in San Sebastian.

The victory takes Ernesto Valverde’s side to within one place and four points of sixth-placed La Real as the battle for the division’s final Europa League spot intensifies.

Xavi Prieto gave away the first ever penalty in his professional career as he felled Yeray Alvarez, with former Atletico Madrid midfielder Garcia stepping up to fire the visitors into the lead.

Ten minutes into the second half and the hosts full-back Alvaro Odriozola’s back-pass was short and seized upon by Williams who finished coolly past Geronimo Rulli in a one-on-one situation.

La Real were infuriated as defender Raul Navas’ header was incorrectly ruled out by the officials but in truth they did not force the issue as much as they would have liked, as their hopes for a top four slot took a hit.

La Liga - Club News