Real Sociedad earned a thrilling 3-2 victory over Athletic Club in a rain-soaked Basque derby decided by Jon Gorrotxategi’s last-minute winner — the first stoppage-time goal to ever settle this historic rivalry.
The Reale Arena erupted as Gorrotxategi, a homegrown academy player making his derby debut, smashed home from close range after an earlier mishit shot rebounded his way. “I hit it with my soul,” he said afterward, summing up a night of raw emotion and local pride.
The derby had everything: passion, chaos, and goals that reflected its intensity. Ander Barrenetxea opened the scoring after returning to the field injured and crossing for Brais Méndez to score. Gorka Guruzeta equalized for Athletic before Gonçalo Guedes restored Sociedad’s lead with a fine strike. Athletic again drew level through Robert Navarro, a former Sociedad player, in a goalmouth scramble before Gorrotxategi’s late heroics sealed a much-needed win.
The result was crucial for manager Sergi Francisco’s side, who had been sliding toward the relegation zone after a poor run. Now, with back-to-back league victories, the mood in San Sebastián has lifted.
At full time, Sociedad’s players stood before their fans, singing together in the rain — a fitting end to a derby that captured the spirit of Basque football: fierce, proud, and unforgettable.
