The jury remains out on Real Sociedad coach David Moyes after his club remained without a home win in La Liga this season following a goalless draw with Athletic Bilbao in a charged Basque derby on Sunday.
Former Manchester United boss Moyes arrived 10 months ago with the aim of building a side capable of challenging for European places, but Sunday’s stalemate was yet another example of the task ahead.
Bilbao were able to control the game for long spells with greater possession and caused Sociedad numerous problems.
Photo: EPA
Former Atletico forward Raul Garcia battled hard for Bilbao, while Aritz Aduriz troubled the Sociedad defense before his shot was charged down by Asier Illarramendi before halftime.
The introduction of Armindo Bruma for the final 20 minutes handed Sociedad more of an edge and fellow substitute Jonathas had two shots cleared off the line in the final minutes — denying Sociedad the chance to register their first win at home.
“Athletic are a very competitive side and we knew it would be an equal game,” Illarramendi told reporters. “They didn’t allow us to play the ball out from the back and there was little passing. We got a point and now we have to continue.”
Earlier, a double from Lucas Perez following an Alvaro Gonzalez own-goal gave sixth-placed RC Deportivo de La Coruna a 3-0 victory over RCD Espanyol.
Getafe’s Alvaro Vazquez scored a brace and Emi Buendia the other in a 3-0 win over Levante UD, while goals from Joaquin and Ruben Castro gave Real Betis Balompie a 2-1 victory at Real Sporting de Gijon.
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