Despite winning in the last round, Real Sociedad have plenty of work to do if they’re to get back into La Liga’s upper echelons, a quest which starts with the visit of Athletic Bilbao for the 194th edition of the Basque Derby.
Match News and Current Form
After a dismal start to the campaign, Real Sociedad will hope that back-to-back victories across league and cup action signal the turning of a corner in their season. The White and Blues start this round narrowly outside of the La Liga relegation zone despite beating Sevilla 2-1 in the last round, but the congested nature of the table means a victory here could catapult them up the table. The chance to win back-to-back league games for the first time since April could be the tonic they need to open up some breathing space to the drop zone here, and seven of their last eight La Liga wins coming at home certainly suggests the Reale Arena is the perfect venue to do so.
Athletic travel on the back of seeing their own mini-revival come to an end with a shock 1-0 defeat to Getafe last weekend. Athletic were unbeaten in three competitive games prior (W2, D1), but they sit in mid-table and with their lowest points total after ten games since 2020/21. A Basque derby could be deemed the perfect assignment as they look to improve upon that then, as Athletic have lost only one of their last seven such games in La Liga (W4, D2). An away game does muddy the waters somewhat given Athletic have won none of their last three La Liga road trips (D1, L2), last going four such games without a victory in March 2018.
Head-to-Head History
Athletic Bilbao haven’t won in their last eight visits to Real Sociedad in La Liga (D3 L5), and one more failure would equal their longest run without an away H2H win since 2000.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Real Sociedad have led a joint-league low one La Liga game at half-time this season (HT: D5, L4).
Real Sociedad are the only team yet to score in both halves of a La Liga game in 2025/26.
Athletic have conceded a league-low one first-half goal this season.
Athletic have scored exactly once in six of their last eight La Liga visits to Sociedad.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Only one player in La Liga has attempted more tackles than Real Sociedad’s Sergio Gómez this season (31). Athletic’s Gorka Guruzeta has seen seven of his last nine strikes at club level arrive after half-time, but he’s never scored in seven personal career H2Hs with Sociedad.
Yangel Herrera looks set to miss out for Real Sociedad, while Athletic’s lengthy injury list is likely to include Iñigo Lekue and Aymeric Laporte.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
It is difficult to see there being too much goalmouth action in this game, so under 2.5 goals could be a smart pick
Author: Matt Jones