The Basque derby that was played at the San Mamés in Bilbao opened with a gesture that recalled the union of the two great clubs of the Basque Country half a century ago. In the run-up to the match, the legendary captains of Athletic Club and Real Sociedad, José Ángel “El Txopo” Iribar and Inaxio Kortabarria, took to the field wearing the original ikurriña from 1976, the same one that had been displayed in Atotxa when the teams shared the field at that time. The entire stadium applauded the event, while the Real Sociedad visiting stands remained silent, letting the tribute be felt throughout the arena.
The stadium was filled with an atmosphere full of respect and emotion. The players of both teams took to the field under the murmur of the ikurriña, and the Real Sociedad fans, who had gathered at the top of the visiting stands, showed their support with continuous chants from the first minute. The Bilbao crowd, for its part, offered ovations to the two veterans, who were received with enthusiasm by the starters and substitutes. The atmosphere was reinforced when Unai Simón was cheered after being named the best goalkeeper in the world, and a minute of silence was held in memory of those who died in the accident in Urda, Toledo.
The match started with the typical tension of a classic derby. The players showed their usual intensity, with the rivalry palpable in every play. Athletic Club and Real Sociedad faced each other with the same ferocity that characterizes these matches, but the mutual respect for the shared history between both clubs was evident in the way the teams took to the field and in the way the fans showed their solidarity.
The match took place in a climate of respect and competitiveness, with both teams seeking victory on a field that had been the scene of so many historic moments. The presence of the two legendary captains and the tribute to the ikurriña served as a reminder of the rich history of Basque football and the importance of tradition in sport. With the stadium full of excitement and the Real Sociedad fans showing their passion, the Basque derby established itself as a memorable event for both players and fans.