Yesterday’s Basque derby ended up with a valuable point for the visiting txuri-urdin. In an even match in which both teams could have got the win, the realistas managed a draw which puts an end to the recent streak of defeats. It will also help the team take a step forward and look up again.
Two directly opposite styles met today on the San Mamés pitch. Both teams stayed true to their ideas and the visitors started dominating the game. The realistas tried to make the most of their passing game, but the clearest chance came on the break. Januzaj left a clear ball for Oyarzábal, who shot wide. The locals pushed intermittently, but came close to Rulli a couple of times: a wide effort from Mikel Rico and, just before half time, a shot from San José that went above the crossbar.
On the start of the second, we saw a strong Athletic which generated a lot of danger during the first ten minutes, but then the realistas gradually settled in and were comfortable. They had two good chances to score, but the could not find the back of the net. The local team was not dangerous again for the last half hour and it was the realistas who got closer to scoring, but it was not meant to be. All in all, an important point in a derby which should help the team regain their confidence for the last match of the year. A victory against Sevilla next Wednesday would show good prospects for the future. Aúpa Real!