Real Sociedad have beaten Athletic Bilbao 1-0 at Estadio Anoeta to close the gap on their Basque rivals to one point in the race for Champions League qualification.

The only goal of the game came in the 42nd minute when Antoine Griezmann volleyed beyond Gorka Iraizoz from the edge of the area after the keeper had repelled his first effort.

La Real came close to doubling their lead in the 53rd minute, as Ander Iturraspe turned Griezmann's corner toward his own goal. However, he was relieved to see the ball come back off the post.

The visitors went forward in search of an equaliser and were nearly rewarded when Aritz Aduriz flashed the ball across the box for Markel Susaeta, but the midfielder could not make contact at the far post.

Iraizoz kept Bilbao in the match with a good save to deny Griezmann a second goal in the 73rd minute, but they were dead and buried in stoppage time when Ruben Pardo rifled into the net from six yards out.