SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain (Interstat) — Real Sociedad defeated rival Athletic Bilbao 3-2 in a wild La Liga match on Saturday at Reale Arena. The game defied a statistical projection of a 1-1 draw, delivering a frantic first half with three goals in nine minutes. Brais Méndez opened the scoring for the hosts in the 38th minute, but Gorka Guruzeta and Gonçalo Guedes struck back for Bilbao to make it 2-1 by halftime. Substitute Roberto Navarro equalized for Sociedad in the 79th minute before Jon Gorrotxategi, who also had an assist, netted the dramatic winner in second-half stoppage time. The victory gives Real Sociedad a winning start to their league campaign.