Bilbao Turn the Derby Tide

For months, this derby had belonged to Alavés; this time, A. Bilbao held the final note. Their 2-1 Spanish First Division victory on 14 September turned a familiar local contest into a small release of red-and-white joy, though Ion Etxeberría’s late strike ensured the old tension never quite left the air.

Imanol Sanz opened the scoring in the 30th minute, giving the home side a lead they carried into the second half. Borja Ribeiro doubled it in the 64th, and Bilbao looked to have put daylight between themselves and their neighbours. But Alavés substitute Etxeberría, introduced in the 56th minute, scored in the 79th to make the closing stretch a test of nerve. The reply came; the equaliser did not.

The result offered a sharp turn in a fixture whose recent rhythm had favoured Alavés. They had won the previous two meetings, 2-0 in April and 2-1 in November, while the sides drew 0-0 in February 2062. Before that came Alavés’ emphatic 6-0 win in September 2061. Bilbao have now answered those memories with a derby victory of their own.

Sanz was at the heart of it, scoring the opener and repeatedly asking questions of the Alavés defence. José Mateo, once of Alavés and now in Bilbao colours, also had a part in the home side’s effort, while Ibai Vera carries the reverse connection, having spent nine seasons at A. Bilbao before joining their rivals. In a derby, old loyalties give every duel an extra edge, even when the decisive moments belong elsewhere.

Alavés had more of the ball, but Bilbao made their chances count. The scoreline leaves the bragging rights on the home side, and the next chapter of this Basque rivalry newly charged.