Real Sociedad scores late to draw with Athletic Bilbao in Basque derby

Real Sociedad's Mikel Oyarzabal celebrates scoring his side's first goal with a penalty shot during the final of the 2020 Copa del Rey. (AP Photo/Angel Fernandez)

MADRID -- Roberto Lopez scored in the 89th minute to give Real Sociedad a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish league on Wednesday in the second Basque Country derby in four days.

Real Sociedad beat Athletic on Saturday in the postponed final of last year's Copa del Rey, then equalized in the league match only four minutes after its rival had taken the lead.

Athletic opened the scoring with a header by Asier Villalibre in the 85th, but Lopez equalized for the hosts with a remarkable curling shot from outside the area into the top far corner. It wasn't clear if Lopez was attempting a cross or a shot.

The result moved Sociedad back into fifth place with 46 points, 12 behind fourth-place Sevilla. Athletic dropped to 10th, further away from the European qualification spots.

Athletic will also play in the final of this year's Copa final, facing Barcelona on April 17.

Atletico Madrid has a one-point lead over Barcelona in the league and is three ahead of Real Madrid. Barcelona and Madrid play in the last clasico of the season on Saturday in Madrid. Atletico visits Real Betis on Sunday.

When submitting content, please abide by our  submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.
We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn More or change your cookie preferences. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the use of cookies.
close