MADRID: Real Sociedad broke Atletico Bilbao’s hearts for the second time in four days as Roberto Lopez hit a late equaliser in their Basque derby La Liga clash on Wednesday, four days after defeating their arch-rivals in the postponed final of last year’s Copa del Rey.

Bilbao thought they had extracted a measure of revenge when Asier Villalibre headed home Alejandro Berenguer’s long cross in the 85th minute, but substitute Lopez had other ideas.

With the clock ticking up towards 90 minutes, Lopez received the ball and made space for himself before unleashing a thunderous long-range shot into the top-left corner.

The draw left Real Sociedad fifth in the standings on 46 points, 12 behind fourth-placed Sevilla and ahead of Betis and Villarreal on goal difference in the battle for Europa League spots.

Bilbao, who are 10th on 36 points, will have a part to play in bringing Real Sociedad’s reign as cup champions to a swift end when they face Barcelona on April 17 in the 2021 final.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2021