Athletic Club 2–1 Real Sociedad: Berenguer's Penalty on the Stroke of Half-Time Caps a First Half of Basque Derby Control

Athletic Club lead Real Sociedad 2–1 at half-time at San Mamés in LaLiga. Alex Berenguer converted a penalty in the 45th minute, restoring the home side's advantage after Luka Sučić had levelled for the visitors on 30 minutes. Iñaki Williams had opened the scoring in the 14th minute, finishing right-footed from a Nico Williams assist.

The scoreline flatters Real Sociedad. Athletic Club generated 2.23 expected goals in the first half; Real Sociedad managed 0.19. Athletic took seven shots to Real Sociedad's three, but only two were on target to the visitors' three. The home side's edge came from volume and quality of chances: four big chances to one, nine touches in the opposition box to three, and 1.30 xG from open play to Real Sociedad's 0.19. Athletic also created 0.14 xG from set plays; Real Sociedad created none.

Real Sociedad controlled the ball — 60 percent possession, 253 accurate passes at 88 percent, and 116 passes in the opposition half to Athletic's 69. But that control did not translate into danger. The visitors managed just three shots and three touches in the box. Athletic, by contrast, were direct and efficient: 163 accurate passes at 86 percent, but nine touches in the box and four big chances. The contrast is stark: Real Sociedad's passing volume sat in front of Athletic's block, while Athletic's chances came from getting into the area.

Both sides lined up in a 4-4-2. Athletic's shape allowed them to press and counter quickly through the Williams brothers, while Real Sociedad's midfield struggled to break through the lines. The home side won 17 duels to Real Sociedad's 15, and committed four fouls to the visitors' seven. Athletic picked up one yellow card; Real Sociedad none.

Alex Berenguer was the standout individual. He scored the penalty — a 0.79 xG situation — and his total first-half xG of 1.99 reflects his involvement in Athletic's best chances. Iñaki Williams' goal came from just 0.14 xG, a low-probability finish from Nico Williams' assist. Luka Sučić's equaliser for Real Sociedad was even less likely: 0.03 xG, a left-footed strike from open play. Mikel Oyarzabal, Real Sociedad's main attacking reference, managed 0.05 xG.

The penalty on the stroke of half-time gives Athletic a narrow lead that their chance creation justifies. Real Sociedad have the ball but not the threat. The second half will test whether the visitors can turn possession into penetration, or whether Athletic's direct approach adds to their advantage.