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Unai Simón’s saves earn Athletic Club a 2-1 Basque derby win
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.
In short
- 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.
Explained simply
Athletic Club and Real Sociedad are football clubs from the Basque Country in northern Spain, and matches between them are known as the Basque derby. The fixture is a local rivalry between two established sides, with results carrying particular interest for supporters of both clubs.
Unai Simón is Athletic’s goalkeeper and also plays for Spain’s national team. His job is to stop the opposition scoring, while forwards such as Athletic’s Iñaki Williams and Álex Berenguer try to score; Real Sociedad’s Luka Sucic is among the players who can threaten their goal.
Goalkeepers can shape a match by preventing goals as well as organising the defence. Simón’s recent award as the world’s best men’s goalkeeper has also brought wider attention to his performances and to Athletic Club.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Guardian as “Unai Simón caps myth-making week with another extraordinary night | Sid Lowe”.