Athletic Bilbao earned a point in the Basque derby with Real Sociedad (1:1). The home side had all the cards in their hands, but then a free-kick slipped through the hands of keeper Remiro.
The match started with an upset, as Williams played a long ball past home keeper Remiro and was heading for the 1:0, but Aritz saved with a risky but strong save (1st). After that, the match flattened out, there were hardly any compelling scoring chances in the first half, at least Isak came close twice (19th, 37th).
In the second period there should have been something tangible. Merino collected the ball in the penalty area and was brought down by Inigo Martinez – penalty for the hosts. Isak took over, shot not particularly well-placed, but caught Unai Simon on the wrong foot – 1:0 for La Real (58.).
Bilbao get a point in a shorthanded game
Bilbao did not have much offensive action throughout the game. Berenguer had a good chance to equalise, but Remiro’s header was saved (68th). In the final phase, the visitors even had to play with less players after Inigo Martinez was shown the red card in the 84th minute. There was little sign of a point for the visitors. But then Muniain shot a free kick from the corner of the penalty area directly on goal – and keeper Remiro let the ball slip through (90.+1). The keeper immediately threw his hands up in front of his face. He knew that the goal against was his fault.
There was a small consolation for Real Sociedad, however, as the hosts maintained first place. However, Real Madrid and Sevilla have one game less to play.
