"The goal that won the Basque derby was exactly the way the goal that wins the Basque derby is supposed to be but never had been before. Wet, wild and absolutely wellied. In the rain, the chaos and added time, the fifth of an epic fight perfectly imperfect: a first attempt scuffed, a second smashed in from six yards, sending teammates diving out the way and supporters into each other's arms."
"It had started there too, their big blue bus edging its way towards the Reale Arena, circling round past the velodrome and the mini stadium, thousands of fans lining the route, fireworks going off, scarves and flags swirling. Pulling up before the gates, the brakes went on, the doors opened and Sergio Francisco, their manager, said: This incredible energy was let in. The players got out and walked the final stretch to the stadium, feeling their way through the smoke,"
Real Sociedad won the Basque derby in stoppage time with a chaotic, rain-soaked goal that sealed a 3-2 victory over Athletic Club. Jon Gorrotxategi, an academy graduate born on the Bizkaia border, scored with his shin during added time after a scuffed first attempt and a second strike from six yards. Thousands of fans lined the route as the team bus approached the Reale Arena amid fireworks, scarves and flags. Players exited the bus, joined fans in singing and clapping, and celebrated together, marking the derby's first-ever stoppage-time winner and deep local significance.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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