Real Sociedad 3-1 Athletic Club – Betting Preview
Match Summary
Real Sociedad continued their recent domination over Basque rivals with a highly impressive and important 3-1 victory.
It was Sociedad’s seventh consecutive win in all competitions with the commanding performance against Athletic Club in the derby.
With a patriotic setting and a great atmosphere at a sold-out Reale Arena, Sociedad played their best football at a high tempo from the start.
Athletic to their credit caused the host numerous early scares before Brais Méndez whipped an early effort around the post.
It was an electrifying contest that saw the hosts land the first blow on 25 minutes. After a defensive mistake in the Athletic backline, Alexander Sørloth sealed his fourth goal in as many league games with a composed finish from 12 yards.
Sociedad’s lead was then doubled as the inform Kubo’s brilliant nutmeg set him through on goal before he flashed an effort beyond the keeper Unai Simón.
Athletic were rocked but to their credit, showed character, and reacted well. They hit back through Oihan Sancet’s well-struck volley before the break, keeping the contest on edge.
The wild nature of the contest continued after the break with Los Leones’ on the hunt to get level.
Sociedad was not as dangerous as in the first half but was then given a massive helping hand by Athletic on the hour mark. This when Kubo latched onto a poor back pass and then went down for a penalty.
Mikel Oyarzabal’s clinical spot-kick was double punishment as the visitor saw red in the same action.
Two goals to the good and with a man advantage, Sociedad cruised to a win from then on. Fair score 3-1.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first, where the favourite for this game was Real Sociedad continued their winning streak, winning the Basque derby @ 2.40.
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest. Real Sociedad -0.25 were comfortable winners at a nice price @ 2.06. This proved to be a smart bet and an easy ride for the backers of the host, who never were behind and finished the game 2 goals ahead and 1 man up after the red card.
Looking at The Under/Over market last of all. The goal line was very low at 2 having opened at 2.25. The punters were not confident of an open match and although it took almost a half hour for the first goal, it was an exciting game with a danger of goals from early on. Over 2 was a comfortable winner @ 1.91.
