In a rain-soaked, chaotic Basque derby, Real Sociedad snatched a dramatic 3–2 victory over Athletic Club thanks to a stoppage-time strike from academy graduate Jon Gorrotxategi — the club’s first ever added-time winner in the historic rivalry.
The match had everything: heavy rain, frantic momentum swings, and five goals that reflected pure derby intensity. Ander Barrenetxea, playing through pain, created the opener just eight seconds after returning to the pitch, setting up Brais Méndez. Athletic replied through Gorka Guruzeta, before Gonçalo Guedes restored Sociedad’s lead early in the second half.
Late drama followed when former Sociedad player Robert Navarro bundled in an 79th-minute equaliser, only for the game to explode again deep into added time. With the score locked at 2–2, Gorrotxategi scuffed one effort before smashing in the rebound from close range, sparking scenes of euphoria at the Reale Arena.
For Real Sociedad, the win was more than just local bragging rights — it eased pressure on new coach Sergi Francisco after a poor run of form and lifted the team’s spirits. “I hit it with my soul,” said Gorrotxategi. “This goal belongs to the fans. Something clicked tonight — we’re in a new dynamic now.”
As the players celebrated with their supporters, the Basque anthem echoing around the stadium, the victory felt like a moment of rebirth for La Real — a night when passion, pride, and perseverance carried them home.
