An unblemished two months and over half a dozen consecutive wins mean Sociedad look the likeliest to catch runaway leaders Barcelona and Real Madrid in LaLiga’s title race.
With Basque flags waving around a sold-out Reale Arena, Sociedad looked to use that momentum to assert derby dominance but saw Athletic cause them numerous early scares before Brais Mendez whipped an early effort around the post.
There was momentary respite after the ball ricocheted off the overhead camera, though you could hardly blame the cameramen for wanting to get closer to the action in an electrifying contest that saw the hosts land the first blow on 25 minutes.
After a momentary lapse of concentration in the Athletic backline, Alexander Sorloth sealed his fourth goal in as many league games with a composed finish from 12 yards.
Sociedad’s lead was then doubled as Takefusa Kubo’s brilliant nutmeg set him through on goal before he flashed an effort beyond Unai Simon.
The visitors weren’t about to take defeat lying down and hit back through Oihan Sancet’s well-struck volley as halftime loomed. The ferocity continued after the break with Athletic prowling for an equaliser before Sociedad were forced to change their game plan after the towering Sorloth was forced off through injury.
They were given a massive helping hand by Athletic on the hour mark however, as Kubo latched onto a poor back pass before Yeray Alvarez brought the winger down as he ran into the penalty area.
Mikel Oyarzabal’s clinical spot-kick was almost as unforgiving as the referee’s decision to send Alvarez for an early bath and the Sociedad faithful’s subsequent rendition of the ‘Poznan’ highlighted the significance of this game to the locals.
Two goals to the good and with a man advantage, Sociedad probably had to pinch themselves with the ease they eventually strolled to this derby triumph, with Athletic forced to endure a sixth consecutive LaLiga away game without victory.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)
