Berenguer's penalty before the break, with Sociedad holding the ball

Athletic beat Real Sociedad 2-1 at San Mamés, winning with far less of the ball and far better chances.

Alex Berenguer's penalty in the 45th minute put Athletic Club 2-1 up over Real Sociedad at the break, and that moment shaped the rest of the afternoon at San Mamés. It came in a match where the ball ran the other way from usual. Athletic had 38% of possession, well below the 55.3% they usually keep at home, and yet the side with less of it were the ones who left with the points.

Iñaki Williams had given Athletic the lead in the 14th minute, set up by his brother Nico, before Luka Sučić levelled for Sociedad at 30. Expected goals, or xG, is a measure of how good a chance was, based on where and how the shot was taken. By that measure Athletic's chances were worth 2.97 goals, against an average of 0.9 when they play at home. That is more than three times their usual quality, and it is the real story of the afternoon.

Both sides had 13 shots, so the difference lies in where those shots came from. Ten of Athletic's were taken inside the box, against seven for Sociedad. Sociedad had 62% of the ball, a fair step up on the 50.8% they usually keep away from home, but their chances added up to 0.93 expected goals, well short of the 1.67 they normally produce on their travels. Plenty of possession, not much to show for it.

Luka Sučić's goal came in a 7.7 display, the best rating in either side, built on one goal and three shots, one of them on target. Iñaki Williams was the most productive Athletic player, scoring and putting two of his three shots on target. Carlos Soler created four chances for Sociedad without finding the net himself, which is a quieter sort of influence but still a real one.

Form points the same way. Sociedad arrive off five wins in their last six away games, so a defeat on the road is a rare thing for them right now. Athletic's home form is patchier, with one win and one defeat in their last six at San Mamés, and four draws in between. A win against a side in that kind of form is the sort of result that gives a home crowd something to cheer after a run of stalemates.

In the table, Athletic are seventh with 12 points from nine games, while Sociedad sit fifth with 19 from ten.

Player of the matchL. Sučić1 goal7.7

I. Williams1 goal7.4

Robert Navarro4 chances created7.2

Carlos Soler4 chances created7.2