Real Sociedad ended their poor run in spectacular fashion, beating Athletic Club 3–2 in one of the most dramatic Basque derbies ever played. In heavy rain at the Reale Arena, academy graduate Jon Gorrotxategi smashed home a stoppage-time winner — the first decisive added-time goal in the 178-match history of the fixture.
The contest had everything: five goals, fierce tackles, and nonstop emotion. Ander Barrenetxea, injured moments earlier, somehow returned to the pitch to assist Brais Méndez for the opener after just eight seconds. Gorka Guruzeta equalised for Athletic before Gonçalo Guedes restored Sociedad’s lead early in the second half. A chaotic goal from former Sociedad player Robert Navarro brought Athletic level again with 10 minutes left.
Then, deep into stoppage time, the ball broke loose in the box and Gorrotxategi — a Gipuzkoa native playing his first derby — drove it in through a crowd of bodies to spark delirium among the 37,000 fans.
The win, Sociedad’s second in a row after a difficult run, eased the pressure on coach Sergi Francisco and reignited belief in a talented but struggling side. “I hit it with all my soul,” Gorrotxategi said. “This is the fans’ goal — something has clicked.”
