Real Sociedad ended weeks of pressure with a thrilling 3–2 win over Athletic Club in a rain-soaked Basque derby decided by Jon Gorrotxategi’s stoppage-time strike — the first ever injury-time winner in the 178-match history of the rivalry.
In front of nearly 38,000 at the Reale Arena, the home side twice led before finally prevailing in the fifth minute of added time. Gorrotxategi, a 22-year-old academy graduate playing in his first derby, scuffed his first attempt before smashing in the rebound from six yards, sparking wild celebrations among teammates and fans.
The match had everything: intensity, drama and emotion. Ander Barrenetxea, injured and barely able to walk, returned to the pitch for a few seconds to provide the cross that led to Brais Méndez’s opener. Athletic equalised through Gorka Guruzeta, before Gonçalo Guedes restored Real Sociedad’s lead after half-time. A chaotic scramble ended with former La Real player Robert Navarro bundling in the second equaliser late on.
Then came Gorrotxategi’s moment. “I hit it with my soul,” he said. “The happiness is incredible — this goal belongs to the fans.”
The victory, Real Sociedad’s second consecutive league win after a difficult spell, lifted spirits and underlined their Basque identity — with 22 of the 30 players from the region. As one local paper summed up: “La Real are alive. They have soul. They feel their colours. And once in a while, they make their people truly happy.”
