The first Basque Derby of the La Liga season sees Athletic Club host rivals Real Sociedad, with both having found some form ahead of this bumper clash.
Match News and Current Form
Athletic had been winless across four matchdays prior to last weekend’s 4-0 demolition of Getafe (D3, L1), but their start to life under Edin Terzić has been a respectable one, offering plenty of hope they can improve on last season’s 12th-place finish. Targeting European qualification, they are seven points worse off than rivals Sociedad, but have a game in hand and boast the third-best defensive record in La Liga pre-round. Buoyed by another big win in midweek having thrashed sixth-tier outfit Prat in the Copa del Rey (6-1), the Lions are currently unbeaten in four at Estadio San Mamés (W2, D2), and will hope to make home advantage count again here.
Sociedad beat Levante 2-1 last weekend to extend their unbeaten streak to six games across all competitions (W5, D1). The White and Blues’ growth since Pellegrino Matarazzo’s appointment in December 2025 has been meteoric, and having qualified for Europe via their Copa del Rey triumph last term, they are now holding their own at the top end of the La Liga table. As Matarazzo looks to add his name to the list of Sociedad managers that have conquered their rivals after drawing his only meeting, he could also guide Sociedad to five straight league wins for the first time since January 2023.
Head-to-Head History
Sociedad are unbeaten in the last five competitive meetings (W3, D2), but Athletic are unbeaten in their last five home league H2Hs (W4, D1).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Athletic have recorded five clean sheets in their last seven league games.
Pre-round, Athletic have scored the joint-most goals (four) and conceded the joint-fewest goals (zero) from set-pieces in La Liga this term.
Ten of Sociedad’s last 12 competitive matches produced over 2.5 goals.
Pre-round, only two sides have taken more corners than Sociedad in La Liga this season (65).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Athletic midfielder Beñat Gerenabarrena has been booked in four of his last five league appearances. Sociedad counterpart Yangel Herrera has faced Athletic more than any other side in his career, being booked in eight of his 16 career H2Hs against them!
Athletic will be without Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, but Oihan Sancet is expected to return in a major boost. Sociedad could welcome back Luken Beitia, but a late check will be needed on his fitness.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
With both sides appearing to have found their groove, both teams to score and over 2.5 goals looks a promising combination.
Author: Ben Olawumi