Athletic Bilbao 2 : 1 Real Sociedad - Atheltic claim derby spoils

Posted Saturday, April 23, 2011 by PA

Athletic Bilbao strengthened their bid for European football next season with a 2-1 victory in the Basque derby against Real Sociedad at San Mames.

Rising star Iker Muniain and Gaizka Toquero helped Athletic race into a two-goal lead but they were never sure of their victory after Javi Fernandez's own goal on 30 minutes.

The hosts needed a spectacular save from goalkeeper Raul Fernandez to deny Xabi Prieto in the second half as Athletic moved five points clear of Sevilla, who are outside the European places.

Athletic controlled the opening half hour and were worth their two-goal lead.

Mikel San Jose was the first to threaten after 10 minutes when he headed a David Lopez free-kick over the crossbar.

Lopez then had a good chance himself but his shot from 12 yards was tipped around the post by Real goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

It was an error from Bravo that allowed Athletic to take the lead on 18 minutes.

The Chile international failed to hold onto a header from Fernando Llorente and the ball fell to teenager Muniain to bundle home from close range.

The hosts cemented their early ascendancy with a second goal 10 minutes later.

Spain striker Llorente was again at the heart of the move as he slid a well-weighted pass for Toquero who made no mistake from 12 yards.

Athletic were in complete control but Martinez's own goal, which he turned past his goalkeeper from six yards, ensured they would never be comfortable for the remainder of the night.

Goalkeeper Fernandez had to be alert to keep out Antoine Griezmann's effort on 39 minutes as Athletic maintained their lead into half-time.

After the break Martinez could have eased his side's nerves, and made up for his earlier blunder, but his close-range effort was well kept out by Bravo.

It would have proved costly but for Athletic's 23-year-old goalkeeper Fernandez who somehow managed to keep out Prieto's 76th-minute strike to keep his side on course for Europe.