Real Sociedad ended their poor run of form in spectacular fashion with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Athletic Club in a rain-soaked Basque derby decided by Jon Gorrotxategi’s stoppage-time strike.
The academy graduate, playing in his first derby, scored in the 92nd minute after an earlier scuffed shot bounced back to him in a crowded penalty area. His second attempt rocketed into the net, sparking wild celebrations inside the Reale Arena and securing the first ever added-time winner in 178 editions of this fierce local rivalry.
Earlier, Ander Barrenetxea — playing through visible pain — created the opener for Brais Méndez just seconds after returning to the field injured. Athletic hit back through Gorka Guruzeta before Gonçalo Guedes restored La Real’s lead early in the second half. A scrappy Robert Navarro goal levelled the score again before Gorrotxategi’s decisive finish sent the home crowd into ecstasy.
For Real Sociedad, the win was more than just bragging rights. After weeks of poor results, it marked a shift in momentum under new coach Sergio Francisco, who said: “If we could have written it, it would have been something like this.”
As the players celebrated with their fans in song after the final whistle, the night captured everything the Basque derby represents — passion, pride, and the feeling that football, at least for one evening, can make life wonderful.
