Real Sociedad welcomed Athletic Bilbao to San Sebastian on Sunday knowing that victory would close the gap to one point on their fourth-place rivals in La Liga.
Bilbao had the better of the chances in the first half, but trailed to Antoine Griezmann's 12th league goal of the season at the interval.
Both sides had opportunities in an end-to-end second period, but it was Sociedad that made sure of the points in stoppage time courtesy of a smart finish from Ruben Pardo.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from the San Sebastian and it is a real cracker as Real Sociedad welcome Athletic Bilbao. The home side have won each of their last three games in all competitions, while a strong run of league form has moved them into fifth position, four points behind fourth-place Bilbao.
Much of Bilbao’s success this season has been built on incredible home form, with seven wins and two draws from their nine games on their own patch. They have found it harder on the road, however, with three wins, one draw and four defeats. Sociedad, meanwhile, have won five of their eight league games in this stadium this season.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Bilbao have won three of the last five, with Sociedad also winning twice during that period. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 2-0 home success, while Sociedad were 3-1 winners when they made the trip to San Mames in February 2013.
TEAMS:
SOCIEDAD: Bravo; C. Martinez, Ansotegi, I. Martinez, Angel; Markel, Pardo, Prieto; Vela, Agirretxe, Griezmann
BILBAO: Iraizoz; De Marcos, Gurpegui, Laporte, Balenziaga; Rico, Iturraspe; Susaeta, Herrera, Muniain; Aduriz
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Sociedad XI this evening with Carlos Vela, Antoine Griezmann and Agirretxe continuing as a three-pronged attack. Bilbao, meanwhile, recall Aduriz, meaning that Toquero starts on the bench. Ander Herrera and Iker Muniain also start for the away side. Right, Sociedad get the first period of this key La Liga contest underway.
It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium, which is not much of a surprise in the Basque derby. Positive start from Bilbao as Muniain combines with Aduriz on the edge of the Sociedad box, but Carlos Martinez is across to clear the danger. Plenty happening in the early exchanges.
Bright start from Oscar de Marcos as the Bilbao right-back twice delivers dangerous crosses in quick succession, but Inigo and Carlos Martinez take it in turns to deal with the threat. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about thus far, however, with Bilbao in charge of the possession. Herrera tries his luck from distance, but his effort is high and wide.
Half-chance for Bilbao as Aduriz threatens to meet a deep cross from Herrera, but Bravo just manages to claim at the vital moment. Sociedad break down the other end with Vela moments later, but he asks too much of Griezmann in the final third. Still no real chances after six minutes of entertaining La Liga football.
First real sign of Griezmann as the Frenchman collects a long pass just inside the Bilbao box, but his cross is straight into the arms of Iraizoz. Bilbao break down the other end with Rico, but he cannot find a white and red shirt. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital this evening.
The linesman's flag comes to the rescue for Sociedad as Aduriz meets a deep cross from De Marcos, although his effort was high and wide of the crossbar. Bilbao continue to play the more progressive football, with Sociedad struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Still goalless after 11 minutes.
Just a few signs that Sociedad are starting to warm to their task as they enjoy a period of possession in the middle of the park, but the referee has been called into action to deal with a number of late challenges. No real opportunities for either side thus far, but the end-to-end period continues at the San Sebastian.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments or indeed in the opening 15 minutes with neither side able to find that elusive pass in the final third. It is the type of match that could be decided by the odd goal. Just a reminder that Bilbao currently sit four points and one place above fifth-place Sociedad in the league table.
Opportunity for Bilbao to threaten from a free kick as Muniain is felled outside the area. The resulting set piece is taken by Laporte, but his effort is just wide of the post. Muniain leads another attack for the away side moments later, but Herrera is challenged by Pardo. It has been a really positive start from Bilbao.
Half-chance for Aduriz as the Bilbao forward meets a cross from Herrera, but his header is straight into the arms of Bravo, who has been the busier of the two goalkeepers thus far. It must be said that Herrera has shown wonderful ability in the early exchanges here. The Spaniard is returning to his best form following a slow start to the campaign.
First sign of Vela as the Sociedad attacker drives past three defenders, but the Mexican is brought down by Rico just outside the area. The resulting free kick falls to Prieto, but his effort is blocked. Sociedad need a little bit more of that after a slow 22 minutes. Bilbao have been much the better team thus far.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side as Vela drills a low cross into the near post, but Agirretxe cannot make contact at the vital moment. Any touch would have taken that past Iraizoz in the Bilbao goal. That has raised the atmosphere inside the stadium. Bilbao advance immediately down the other end with Rico, but Carlos Martinez makes a last-ditch challenge.
CHANCE! Bilbao come close to taking the lead as Gurpegi meets a corner from Susaeta, but the centre-back can only direct his header wide of the post. The match is starting to open up as the first period gathers pace. Little under 20 minutes of the first period remaining.
Bilbao boss Valverde will certainly be the happier of the two managers at this stage of proceedings with his side looking the more dangerous in the final third. Sociedad remain a threat on the counter, but the likes of Vela and Griezmann have not really featured thus far. It is incredible how far Bilbao have come in just one season.
Another opportunity for Sociedad to threaten from a free kick as Vela is felled outside the box by Balenziaga, who picks up a yellow card for his troubles. The resulting set piece is delivered by Griezmann, but Iturraspe is on hand to clear with a towering header. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining at the San Sebastian.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. The card count is rising, however, as Bergara handles in the middle of the pitch. In truth, it has become slightly scrappy with referee Pedro Perez taking centre stage.
The match has been littered with fouls in the last few minutes, which is not helping the tempo. The crowd have been quietened, meanwhile, following a drab period. Muniain combines with Aduriz on the edge of the Sociedad box, but Bravo is out to claim.
Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments as Angel and Vela both deliver dangerous crosses into the Bilbao box, but Laporte and Gurpegi take it in turns to clear the danger. Bilbao are down the other end moments later, with Herrera winning a free kick from Angel in a wide area.
Another half-chance for the away side as Iturraspe meets a cross from Susaeta, but his header flashes wide of the post. There is no question that Bilbao have been the better side in the opening 40 minutes, but the score remains goalless. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining as Herrera stings the palms of Bravo from inside the box.
Aduriz has another half-chance as he meets a cross from Susaeta, but once more his effort is wide of the post. That has been the story of the first period thus far. You would have to think that Sociedad would improve in the second half and therefore Bilbao might be made to regret missed opportunities.
Wonderful piece of defending from De Marcos as the Bilbao defender just manages to divert a Vela cross off the head of Agirretxe inside the box. The resulting corner eventually falls to Angel outside the area, but his effort is high and wide. Pressure from Sociedad in the latter stages of the half.
GOAL! Sociedad 1-0 Bilbao (Griezmann)
Griezmann scores his 12th league goal of the season for Sociedad as the Frenchman strikes a wonderful volley from the edge of the box after Iraizoz had saved his initial effort. Sociedad lead in the latter stages of the half.
HALF TIME: Sociedad 1-0 Bilbao
So there we have it. It hasn't been the prettiest of occasions between the two Basque rivals, but Sociedad lead at the interval courtesy of a fine volley from Griezmann in the latter stages of the half. Bilbao have arguably been the better side, but have been wasteful in the final third.
STATISTICS: Bilbao have had more of the possession with 56%, while they have had seven attempts to Sociedad's three. However, the away side have not managed to test Bravo thus far. You just get the feeling that Bilbao's lack of a regular scorer could haunt them in their fight for the top four this season.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Haris Seferovic, Gonzalo Castro and Javi Ros. Meanwhile, Bilbao boss Valverde has the likes of Toquero, Ibai Gomez and Benat in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that, as it stands, Sociedad would move to within one point of fourth-place Bilbao. However, I have a feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals. Bilbao get the second period underway at the San Sebastian.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, both managers will surely be monitoring developments over the next 15 minutes or so. You just get the feeling that Bilbao need to score next if they are to take something from the match. All-action start to the second half as Bilbao attack down the right with Muniain.
Half-chance for Bilbao as Iturraspe slides a through pass towards Susaeta, but the winger cannot gather at the vital moment. The away side are on the counter once more moments later, but the move breaks down with Susaeta. Not too much from the home side in the early exchanges of the second period.
POST! Sociedad come within a whisker of scoring their second as Iturraspe turns a Griezmann corner towards his own goal, but luckily for the Bilbao midfielder, it smashes off the foot of the post. End-to-end contest in the last couple of moments with both sides forcing the issue in the final third.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with neither side able to find that elusive pass in the final third. Herrera attempts to drive into the Sociedad box, but Inigo Martinez is on hand to clear the danger. Little over 35 minutes of this Basque derby remaining. Still Sociedad lead 1-0.
Good pressure from Bilbao in the last couple of moments as they pass and probe outside the Sociedad box, but the home side continue to deal with each long pass into the box. You just get the feeling that changes will occur in the next five minutes or so if the score remains 1-0. Both teams have a number of options in reserve this evening.
Bilbao make their first change of the match on the hour mark as Iraola replaces Balenziaga. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Sociedad enjoying more of the ball. You just get the feeling that Sociedad will need to score again if they are to take all three points this evening.
Penalty shout for Bilbao as an arm appears to go up inside the Sociedad box, but the referee is not interested. Sociedad attempt to break down the other end with Griezmann, but the Frenchman is ruled offside. End-to-end football in this Basque derby as Susaeta's low cross is thumped clear by Inigo Martinez.
Sociedad continue to come under increasing pressure with Bilbao winning back possession high up the pitch. A clumsy challenge from Pardo on Muniain hands Bilbao another free kick in a dangerous position, but once more the danger is headed clear. Little over 25 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bilbao to level as Aduriz spins inside the Sociedad box before drilling a low cross towards Susaeta, but the Spaniard cannot make contact at the far post. It is all one-way traffic as the away side force two more corners in quick succession. Is the goal coming?
A clumsy challenge from Rico on Vela leads to the Bilbao midfielder entering the book. However, the resulting free kick from the home side comes to nothing. Agirretxe goes down just outside the Bilbao box moments later, but the flag had been raised. All-action La Liga contest with little more than 20 minutes remaining.
Sociedad make their first change of the match and it is a defensive one as Agirretxe is replaced by Elustondo, who primarily operates in the middle of midfield. A little bit of insurance for the home side. Still no movement on the Bilbao bench, although the likes of Benat and Ibai Gomez are the obvious replacements.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Griezmann to score his second as the Frenchman collects a through pass inside the Bilbao box, but Iraizoz is on hand to make a fine save and keep his side in the contest. The match is really stretched at the moment as Bilbao continue to force the issue in the final third.
Bilbao make their second change as Rico, who had picked up a yellow card, is replaced by Ibai Gomez, which is not much of a surprise. Bilbao need some more creativity in the final third. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening. Chances continue to arrive for both teams.
Griezmann thinks he has missed a glorious chance as he fires over the crossbar from close range, but the offside flag had been raised. Bilbao are down the other end with Muniain moments later, but his through pass is cleared by Jose Angel. It remains 1-0 Sociedad with 77 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Bilbao as Iturraspe meets a loose ball outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Bravo. Time is just starting to run out for the away side as we enter the latter stages. As it stands, Sociedad would move one point behind Bilbao in the table.
Sociedad look to their bench for the second time this evening with Griezmann being replaced by Castro. Wonderful ovation for the Frenchman, who might have had a hat-trick this evening. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments. Time is not on Bilbao's side as Toquero prepares to enter.
Bilbao do indeed make their third and final change with Toquero replacing Susaeta, which is a surprise. It is all or nothing for Bilbao in the latter stages this evening. Sociedad continue to threaten on the counter, however, and it would not be a surprise to see them score a second. Little over five minutes of this La Liga contest remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bilbao as Ibai delivers a sensational cross towards Aduriz, but the striker cannot make contact at the far post. That was the opportunity for the away side. Is there to be late drama in this Basque derby? I would not rule it out.
Sociedad make their third and final change as Vela is replaced by Haris Seferovic for the final couple of minutes. Both of the home side's top scorers have now departed the field. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as the home side continue to repel the threat from Bilbao.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. A bouncing ball causes problems for Gurpegi in the Bilbao defence moments later, but the referee's whistle comes to his rescue.
CHANCE! Muniain comes close to levelling for the away side as he finds some space on the edge of the box before thumping one towards the bottom corner, but Bravo is across to make the save. That could be just about that for this one.
GOAL! Sociedad 2-0 Bilbao (Pardo)
Sociedad score their second in stoppage time as Seferovic finds Pardo inside the Bilbao box. The Spanish midfielder turns two defenders before smashing his effort into the back of the net. The points are secure.
FULL TIME: Sociedad 2-0 Bilbao
So there we have it. Sociedad secure all three points courtesy of a 2-0 win. They remain in fifth spot in the table, but are now just one point behind fourth-place Bilbao. The race for the top four is really developing! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us tomorrow for more La Liga football. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
