Basque Showdown: Athletic Bilbao Narrowly Favoured Over Real Sociedad

Spanish Copa Del Rey  -  Athletic Bilbao VS Real Sociedad
Match Time:12-02-2026 04:00 Thursday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Athletic Bilbao will host Real Sociedad at San Mamés in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. Both teams come into the match in strong form, eager to secure a spot in the final. The clash reignites one of Spanish football’s most intense and historic rivalries.

Team Analysis:
Athletic Bilbao enter the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad buoyed by recent cup and league wins, despite a challenging La Liga campaign and defensive struggles. Real Sociedad arrive in strong form, unbeaten in their last 10 matches and with a solid record in both league and cup competitions. The upcoming Basque derby promises a tightly contested clash, with both sides aiming to continue their historic rivalry and chase Copa del Rey glory.

Player Situation:
Athletic Bilbao face multiple absences with several key players sidelined by muscle and ligament injuries, along with a suspension for Aitor Paredes. Real Sociedad also enter the match with injury concerns, including muscle issues for Luka Sucic, Takefusa Kubo, and Ander Barrenetxea, while Unai Marrero is doubtful. Both teams will need to adjust their lineups significantly ahead of the Copa del Rey semi-final clash.

Result Prediction:
Athletic Bilbao could gain a slight edge in the Basque derby thanks to the intense atmosphere at a full-capacity San Mamés. Real Sociedad arrive in strong form, but Bilbao’s home intensity and big-match experience may prove decisive. This could give Athletic a narrow advantage heading into the second leg.

Predicted Result: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Real Sociedad.