Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad – News and Probable Lineups

Once again, the Basque derby takes the spotlight this Wednesday evening as Athletic Bilbao host their rivals Real Sociedad at San Mames for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.

Both teams come into this fixture in good form, eager to reignite one of the most intense rivalries in Spanish football, with a spot in the final on the line.

Match overview

Athletic Bilbao approaches their third encounter of the season against Real Sociedad with optimism following a 4-2 league win over Levante last weekend.

This victory represented only their second win in five outings across all competitions after their thrilling 2-1 victory against Valencia in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

In that dramatic match, an early own goal by Sadiq Umar gave Athletic the lead, only for the striker to equalize for Valencia before Inaki Williams scored a last-minute winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time, securing their place in the semi-finals.

Ernesto Valverde’s team has really had to battle in this season’s tournament, narrowly defeating Ourense 1-0 in the round of 32 before an exciting 4-3 victory against Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa in extra time during the round of 16.

However, the La Liga campaign has been tough for the Lions, who currently occupy the 10th position in the standings with 28 points from 23 matches, just six points clear of the relegation zone.

Concerns regarding defensive stability persist, as Athletic has not managed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 games across all competitions.

Despite these struggles, the Copa del Rey provides Athletic a chance to claim a trophy this season.

The club is the second most successful in the tournament’s history, having won it 24 times, with the latest triumph occurring in the 2023-24 season when they secured victory against Mallorca on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in the final.

On the other hand, Real Sociedad approaches the semi-final in great form, having gone unbeaten in their last 10 matches in various competitions.

Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side is currently positioned eighth in La Liga, with 31 points from 23 fixtures, having netted 33 goals while conceding 31.

La Real continued their fine form with a 3-1 league win over Elche on Saturday and have secured four victories in their last five matches, their only blemish being a draw against Athletic.

In the Copa del Rey, they triumphed over Alaves 3-2 in the quarter-finals after defeating Osasuna on penalties in a 2-2 draw during the round of 16.

Real Sociedad aims to win the Copa del Rey for just the third time in their club’s history, having previously lifted the trophy in the 1986–87 and 2019–20 seasons, while they have also finished as runners-up four times.

The most recent Basque derby saw a 1-1 deadlock, with Sociedad appearing to be on track for a win until Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta found the net with a late equalizer in the 88th minute.

In their last five encounters, Athletic has emerged victorious twice, while there have been two draws and one win for Real Sociedad.

Team News

Athletic Bilbao will be missing Alex Berenguer, who is out with a muscle injury, and Daniel Vivian is also dealing with a similar problem.

Unai Eguiluz has been sidelined since August 2025 due to a cruciate ligament injury, with a return expected around mid-February, while Yuri Berchiche is also not available due to a muscle issue sustained in their last match.

Aitor Paredes remains suspended as he serves the second match of a two-game ban following his red card in the round of 16.

Benat Prados is out due to a long-term cruciate ligament injury, while Maroan Sannadi is still recovering from a meniscus problem.

Real Sociedad has its own injury concerns, notably with Luka Sucic ruled out after sustaining a muscle injury in the previous match.

Unai Marrero is doubtful with a broken cheekbone, and Arsen Zakharyan is sidelined due to a muscle issue.

Ander Barrenetxea is unavailable as he is dealing with a thigh injury, and Takefusa Kubo will also be absent after suffering a hamstring injury.

Athletic Bilbao probable starting XI:

Simon; Gorosabel, Paredes, Laporte, Lekue; Ruiz de Galarreta, Palace; Serrano, Cruzeta, Williams, Williams

Real Sociedad probable starting XI:

Remiro; Gomez, Caleta-Car, Zubeldia, Odriozola; Turrientes, Soler, Gorrotxategi, Marin; Oyarzabal, Guedes