Inaki Williams at the double to further Bilbao’s Euro hopes
An evenly-matched opening 20 minutes saw very little to separate two sides vying for European places. Athletic began to grow into the fixture as the contest progressed with Nico Williams being denied by a strong hand from Álex Remiro. The hosts continued to improve and took a deserved lead from a corner when Williams controlled Mikel Vesga’s flick-on, before forcing the ball in from close range amidst claims of a possible handball. Athletic’s slender lead at the break meant that all but one of Sociedad’s last 12 league games have produced under 2.5 goals at HT.
Having now wrestled control of the game, the hosts looked well set to improve on a record of six defeats from six games against top-four sides in La Liga this season. Hoping to avoid a fourth successive league trip without success, Sociedad upped the ante in the second period. A double save from Unai Simón was required to keep the visitors at bay before a goal at the other end changed the complexion of the tie. Not long after a Sociedad corner was easily dealt with, Athletic broke down the other end of the pitch, releasing Williams, who rifled a magnificent effort into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
With time fast running out, a Sociedad comeback looked fanciful, yet Simón was required to make another double save, crucially denying Alexander Sørloth’s close-range follow-up. Moments later, Simón’s error presented the away side with a golden opportunity, but Ander Barrenetxea horribly miscued when it looked easier to score. That miss confirmed Sociedad’s defeat as their UEFA Champions League hopes take a blow, albeit whilst remaining fouth. As for Athletic, European qualification is within touching distance as they sit in seventh, two points off Real Betis in sixth.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Iñaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
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