Real Sociedad ended their slump in spectacular fashion with a dramatic 3–2 win over Athletic Club in a rain-soaked Basque derby at the Reale Arena, sealed by Jon Gorrotxategi’s stoppage-time strike — the first ever added-time winner in the 178-game history of the rivalry.
The local academy graduate smashed home from close range in the 92nd minute after a frantic goalmouth scramble, sparking wild celebrations among players and fans. “I hit it with my soul,” said Gorrotxategi, a Gipuzkoa native playing his first derby.
The night had started with an emotional pre-match scene as Real Sociedad’s players walked through thousands of fans lining the streets. Once the game began, it delivered everything a derby should — rain, intensity, and goals.
Ander Barrenetxea set the tone with a remarkable opener just seconds after returning from treatment for an injury, hobbling down the wing to assist Brais Méndez for the first goal. Athletic equalized through Gorka Guruzeta, but Gonçalo Guedes restored the lead after the break. A late scrambled finish from Robert Navarro, a former Real Sociedad player, made it 2–2 before Gorrotxategi’s late heroics.
For new coach Sergi Francisco, it was a vital win after weeks of pressure and a run of poor form. The victory not only lifted Real Sociedad up the table but also reignited belief in San Sebastián. “If we could have written it, it would have been something like this,” Francisco said.
The Basque derby had its poetry, its chaos, and, finally, its perfect ending — a local hero winning it in stoppage time for a team rediscovering its soul.
