An incredible atmosphere in the Basque derby almost saw the perfect start for Athletic Club, when Alex Berenguer’s header went narrowly wide in the first two minutes.
Both teams were keen to attack at every opportunity, and it took an incredible one-handed save from Alex Padilla to deny Sociedad’s Carlos Soler after he’d whipped in a superb free-kick.
Although real chances were at a premium, Athletic’s Inaki Williams and Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal led their teams by example.
And though their teammates often didn’t appear to be on the same wavelength, only Soler will know how he completely miscued with just Padilla to beat 10 minutes before half-time.
Having allowed their hosts to record two-thirds of the possession before half-time, the visitors came out much more purposefully after the break.
And they were almost back on terms in the tie as Williams turned Sergio Gomez inside out before the defender got back to divert the winger’s goalbound effort.
Gomez was again the hero shortly after, as Oihan Sancet broke clear, sticking out a boot at precisely the right moment to ensure another Athletic chance came and went.
Berenguer then flashed a shot wide as Los Leones pressed once more, and in their haste to try and grab a late goal, they were susceptible to swift counters from the hosts.
As it was, an Oyarzabal penalty with four minutes to play was the killer blow, Padilla’s gamesmanship not fazing the Sociedad captain.
The result gives La Real the chance to win the trophy for a fourth time, and the first since their victory in the ‘2020’ final staged in 2021. It will also be their first final appearance in front of fans since 1988.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad)
