Athletic came into the game on the back of a disappointing loss in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) semi-final first leg, and there was a lack of intensity in a first half which produced little goalmouth action, with just one shot on target between both teams.
That came from Martín Zubimendi, whose header did not trouble Unai Simón. Mikel Oyarzabal and Sergio Gómez also volleyed over from promising positions for Sociedad, but they could not find a breakthrough.
Bilbao’s only attempt came from Gorka Guruzeta, whose goal-bound strike was well-blocked. A pre-round joint-league high nine of their away league matches this season stood goalless at half time, and this was no different.
Both goalkeepers were called into action early in the second half, as Takefusa Kubo’s effort was pushed away by Simón, before Álex Berenguer’s long-range strike was gathered by Álex Remiro.
Just after the hour mark, the Athletic stopper was called into action again, this time to push away Brais Méndez’s header from a corner.
The Sociedad man was replaced by Luka Sučić shortly after, and the substitute had the best chance to grab a winner in the latter stages. Through against Simón, his tame effort did not trouble the Spaniard as much as it should have.
Despite dominating for large parts of the contest, the hosts had to settle for just a point, which keeps them out of the European places, but La Real did extend their unbeaten H2H home record to eight matches.
Athletic have now only won once in seven away league games, but are still in pole position to finish in the top four and qualify for the UEFA Champions League (UCL), despite looking poised to exit the UEL at the hands of Manchester United.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao)
