# Unai Simón’s saves earn Athletic Club a 2-1 Basque derby win

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/unai-simon-caps-myth-making-week-with-another-extraordinary-night-sid-lowe/
- Published: 2026-11-02T10:43:13+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-02T11:23:33+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/02/unai-simon-athletic-club-la-liga-myth-making-week-la-liga
- Topics: Europe, Football, Sport, World

## Key points

- Simón’s saves secured Athletic a 2-1 derby win.
- San Mamés gave him a prolonged standing ovation.
- The performance capped his week as goalkeeper of the year.

## Summary

Unai Simón’s exceptional performance helped Athletic Club beat Real Sociedad 2-1 in the Basque derby, ending their rivals’ run of four derby wins. A minute-long standing ovation from 50,092 fans after a remarkable save turned the match into a tribute to the goalkeeper and capped a week in which he was named the world’s best men’s goalkeeper.

Simón made four outstanding saves, including a crucial stop against Carlos Soler with Athletic leading 2-1 in the 72nd minute. Iñaki Williams and Álex Berenguer scored for Athletic, while Luka Sucic equalised for Real Sociedad. The article also recalls Simón’s understated 491-word speech at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, where he received the Lev Yashin Trophy, and the personal thanks he gave to friends, family and teammates.

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