Jon Gorrotxategi’s last-minute goal sealed a dramatic 3–2 victory for Real Sociedad over Athletic Club in a Basque derby full of rain, chaos, and emotion.
The 23-year-old academy product — playing in his first derby — scuffed his initial shot before smashing in the rebound deep into stoppage time, sparking bedlam at the Reale Arena. It was the first time in 178 Basque derbies that the winner came in added time.
The match had everything: intensity, mistakes, and moments of brilliance. Ander Barrenetxea, injured moments earlier, limped back onto the pitch to set up Brais Méndez for the opener after only eight seconds. Athletic replied through Gorka Guruzeta, but Gonçalo Guedes restored La Real’s lead early in the second half. Robert Navarro, a former Sociedad player, bundled in a scrappy equalizer before Gorrotxategi’s late strike sealed the win.
The result lifted Real Sociedad after a poor run of form and eased the pressure on new coach Sergio Francisco. “I hit it with all my soul,” said Gorrotxategi. “The happiness is incredible — this was the fans’ goal.”
At full time, players joined supporters in song, celebrating a derby that captured the heart, chaos, and pride of Basque football.
