Anticipation for the Basque Derby as Real Sociedad Faces Athletic Club

This weekend promises an intriguing clash in European football, as Real Sociedad prepares to welcome Athletic Club on Saturday for a highly anticipated Basque Derby.

Real Sociedad Seeking Momentum

The beginning of the post-Imanol Alguacil era hasn’t been as fruitful for Real Sociedad as they had hoped. Under the guidance of Sergio Francisco, who stepped up from the Real Sociedad B team, the Basque squad managed only one win in their first eight league fixtures. However, the international break in October provided an opportunity for regrouping, resulting in a 1-1 draw against RC Celta in Matchday 9, followed by a 2-1 victory over Sevilla FC in Matchday 10.

In the previous match at Anoeta, where the forthcoming derby will unfold, La Real took an early lead at the 19-minute mark, with Mikel Oyarzabal converting a penalty. Although Nemanja Gudelj equalized shortly after, Oyarzabal netted again before halftime, leading his side to secure their second win of the season.

Currently, Real Sociedad hovers precariously above the relegation zone, occupying 17th place with nine points, just ahead of 18th-ranked Valencia CF. Therefore, this weekend’s derby carries significant weight in the context of the relegation battle.

Athletic Club Aiming to Find Their Rhythm

On the other side of the Basque Country, Athletic Club, managed by Ernesto Valverde, has struggled for form recently. In their last encounter, they were edged out by Getafe CF, who scored the only goal of the match late in the 75th minute, resulting in a 1-0 loss for Los Leones. After a promising start with three consecutive victories at the beginning of the season, Athletic have only managed one win in their last seven matches, hampered by difficulties in generating quality chances. Four of those losses came without them finding the net.

Having won only one of their four away league games to date, the upcoming derby presents a challenge, especially since it’s hosted in San Sebastián. Currently sitting ninth in the standings, five points clearer than their rivals, a win would help propel Athletic Club back into contention for European qualification, which they aim to secure by the end of the season in late May.

Athletic Club’s Undefeated Streak Meets Real Sociedad’s Home Dominance

Athletic Club faces a tough task at Anoeta, particularly considering their struggles in recent years. They have not emerged victorious in a Basque Derby on the road since 2017, during Valverde’s previous term before his stint at FC Barcelona. Real Sociedad has triumphed in five of their last eight encounters in San Sebastián, with three matches ending in draws.

Despite this, Athletic Club boasts an unbeaten record in their last three derbies, winning two of those encounters. Real Sociedad’s most recent victory over Athletic was a decisive 3-0 win at home in 2023, with goals from Robin Le Normand, Take Kubo, and Oyarzabal. Following that, Athletic secured two consecutive home wins, including a 1-0 victory last season at San Mamés thanks to Oihan Sancet’s goal. The latest Basque derby ended without goals in a 0-0 stalemate at Anoeta in May, meaning Athletic has remained unbeaten in their previous three meetings with Real Sociedad.

As the teams prepare for this encounter, it remains to be seen whether Real Sociedad can extend their dominance at home to nine games or if Valverde’s squad will claim their third win in four Basque derbies.