Greetings to all football fans! We are pleased to offer you a live online broadcast of the Athletic Club vs Real Sociedad match as part of the Spain - Copa del Rey tournament.
Finished
0 - 1
Match events:
| I. Ruiz de Galarreta / A. Rego | 56' | |||
| N. Serrano / R. Navarro | 56' | |||
| S. Sanchez / U. Gomez | 56' | |||
| N. Williams / I. Williams | 56' | |||
| 58' | G. Guedes Unsportsmanlike conduct | |||
| 62' | B. Turrientes (0 - 1) Assist: G. Guedes | |||
| 64' | A. Odriozola | |||
| I. Ruiz de Galarreta Foul | 65' | |||
| 74' | A. Elustondo / J. Aramburu | |||
| 74' | O. Oskarsson / B. Turrientes | |||
| M. Vesga / M. Jauregizar | 82' | |||
| 85' | A. Odriozola / P. Marin | |||
| 85' | Y. Herrera / C. Soler | |||
| 90+5' | J. Ochieng / G. Guedes | |||
| 90+6' | M. Oyarzabal Foul |
Stadium: San Mamés, Bilbao
Competition: Spain - Copa del Rey
Match Preview
The San Mamés will be rocking for what is arguably the most passionate derby in Spanish football. Athletic Club comes into this game having demonstrated impressive resilience, particularly at home, making their famous stadium a fortress. Under Ernesto Valverde, they've cultivated a robust defensive structure complemented by swift transitions. Their journey through the Copa del Rey has been marked by determination, overcoming challenging opponents to reach this stage. The home crowd's energy will be a significant factor, potentially propelling the Lions to new heights. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, arrives in Bilbao with a reputation for fluid, attacking football. Imanol Alguacil's side has been a consistent presence in the upper echelons of La Liga and has shown their pedigree in cup competitions. Their midfield maestro Odegaard, alongside Oyarzabal and Isak, offers a potent threat to any defense. However, their recent form has been a mix of dominant victories and frustrating draws, suggesting a slight inconsistency that could be exploited by their arch-rivals. This Cup tie represents a golden opportunity for either side to ignite their season and deliver silverware to their passionate fanbases.Team Form and Analysis
Athletic Club
Athletic Club’s strength lies in their collective spirit and defensive organization. Unai Simon remains a commanding presence in goal, while the defensive bedrock of Yeray Álvarez and Dani Vivian has been particularly solid. Their midfield, marshaled by Dani García and Vesga, provides a crucial shield for the backline and instigates attacks. Upfront, the pace and trickery of Nico Williams, combined with the finishing prowess of Gorka Guruzeta, make them a dangerous proposition. The potential return of Iñigo Lekue from injury could provide additional depth on the flanks, offering Valverde more tactical flexibility. Their set-piece delivery has also been a key avenue for goals.Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad's offensive capabilities are undeniable, with their intricate passing and ability to unlock defenses. The creative hub of Martín Ødegaard, pulling the strings from midfield, is crucial to their attacking rhythm. Mikel Oyarzabal's leadership and goal-scoring threat from wide areas are vital, as is Alexander Isak's aerial presence and clinical finishing. Defensively, however, they have shown occasional vulnerabilities, particularly against quick counter-attacks. They will need to be disciplined against Athletic's direct approach. The fitness of key defender Robin Le Normand will be paramount in containing Athletic's forward line, and his presence could greatly influence the outcome.Predicted Starting Lineups
Athletic Club (4-2-3-1):- Unai Simon (GK)
- De Marcos
- Yeray Álvarez
- Dani Vivian
- Yuri Berchiche
- Dani García
- Mikel Vesga
- Nico Williams
- Oihan Sancet
- Iñaki Williams
- Gorka Guruzeta
- Álex Remiro (GK)
- Hamari Traoré
- Robin Le Normand
- Pacheco
- Kieran Tierney
- Brais Méndez
- Martín Zubimendi
- Martín Ødegaard
- Takefusa Kubo
- Alexander Isak
- Mikel Oyarzabal
Match Prediction
- Main Prediction: Athletic Club to Win. The home advantage at San Mamés in a derby, combined with their recent defensive solidity, gives Athletic a slight edge.
- Total Goals Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals. Derby matches in cup competitions are often cagey affairs, with both teams prioritizing not conceding, making a low-scoring encounter probable.