Athletic Club secured a crucial 2-0 Basque derby La Liga win over rivals Real Sociedad to keep alive their European hopes this season.
Victory in Bilbao means Ernesto Valverde’s side end the weekend in 7th place in the table and within striking distance of a Europa League spot.
Captain Inaki Williams stole the show for the home side, as forced home the opener before the break, and sealed the victory, with a brilliant solo finish in the closing stages.
The Williams show again!#AthleticRealSociedad highlights 📷 #LaLigaTV |#LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/rokrKrpfTn
— LaLigaTV (@LaLigaTV) April 15, 2023
His brace brings the the Ghanaian international up to six derby goals as La Real’s Champions League push was halted.
However, their top four rivals endured a mixed afternoon, as Villarreal slipped to a 2-1 defeat at home to Real Valladolid, Selim Amallah’s comedy opener was added to by Jawad El Yamiq’s brilliant second.
That was quick! 🟣
Perfect start for Valladolid as Amallah finds the net from close range 👌#LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/rtoLPaZMqg
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) April 15, 2023
A goal that any defender would be proud of! 🔥
Jawad El Yamiq broke up play at the edge of his own box and then set off an a brilliant solo run to double Valladolid's lead 😮 pic.twitter.com/KZ8OGXjRPz
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) April 15, 2023
Etienne Capoue’s thunderbolt hauled the hosts back into the contest after the restart but they remain four points behind Sociedad.
Real Valladolid take all three points in a huge result for their season!#VillarrealRealValladolid highlights 📷 #LaLigaTV |#LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/jVDa17h9qR
— LaLigaTV (@LaLigaTV) April 15, 2023
The main winners in the European race from Saturday’s action proved to be Real Betis as they secured a 3-1 win at home to Espanyol.
William Carvalho’s late goal sealed all three points for the visitors, as they leapfrogged Villarreal into 5th, with a three-point gap behind Sociedad.
Images via Getty Images
