The Basque derby returns as Athletic Club vs Real Sociedad at San Mamés Barria on Sunday, 1 February 2026. This fixture is one of the 2025-26 La Liga fiercest rivalries, with local pride and league positioning on the line.
Athletic arrive off a tough run of form, while Real Sociedad have built momentum and now look in strong attacking rhythm heading into this clash. A tightly contested Basque derby could hinge on fine margins.
Athletic Club, pushing for a top-four finish in 7th with 24 points from 18 games (6 wins, 6 draws, 6 losses), aim to capitalize on home form after a 2-1 victory over Getafe, showcasing defensive resilience under Ernesto Valverde.
Real Sociedad, holding 4th with 29 points (8 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses), seek to extend their unbeaten run but Imanol Alguacil’s side contends with injury concerns in defense.
Athletic are unbeaten in their last 10 home derbies against Sociedad, while the visitors boast impressive road form with five unbeaten away league games.
This Athletic Club vs Real Sociedad showdown promises passion, pace, and plenty of potential turning points in the Basque rivalry.
Athletic Club vs Real Sociedad – Date, Time, Predictions, and More
| Match | Athletic Club vs Real Sociedad |
|---|---|
| Competition | La Liga – Matchday 22 |
| Date | Sunday, 1 February 2026 |
| Kick-off | 8:00 PM CET (7:00 PM GMT / 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT) |
| Venue | San Mamés Barria, Bilbao |
Predictions favor an Athletic Club 2-1 win, with odds at Athletic 23/20 (46.5% implied probability), draw 11/5 (31.2%), Sociedad 12/5 (29.4%).
This Athletic Club vs Real Sociedad preview covers team news, live streams, and key stats for your Spanish football fix.
Team News and Analysis
Athletic have struggled for consistency this season and are dealing with a few key absences — the likes of Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams are out or doubts due to injury. Defensive and attacking options are limited and could influence their formation.
Injuries: No major fresh concerns, but squad rotation expected with Valverde’s 4-2-3-1 averaging 1.4 goals at home but leaking 1.1. Press forces 11 turnovers per game, primed to disrupt Sociedad’s build-up.
Real Sociedad arrive in strong form, with several wins in a row and attacking confidence under coach Pellegrino Matarazzo.
No specific updates, but previOver 2.5 goals at -110 matches Athletic’s home average of 2.5 goals and Sociedad’s solid away form of 1.8.ous concerns for key players like Hamari Traoré. Imanol Alguacil’s 4-3-3 yields 1.8 goals away but concedes 1.4; press nets 12 turnovers, but low blocks challenge.
Analysis: Athletic’s San Mamés edge (unbeaten in 10 home vs Sociedad) vs. Sociedad’s form; no major injuries tilt midfield—expect a passionate derby with second-half subs decisive.
Head-to-Head Record
The Basque derby is one of Spanish football’s classic rivalries. Historically, Athletic Club edge the overall record, but Real Sociedad have enjoyed better form recently, including a 3–2 victory in the reverse fixture this season.
All-time H2H
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2025 | La Liga | Real Sociedad 3-2 Athletic Club | 3-2 |
| Apr 20, 2025 | La Liga | Athletic Club 1-1 Real Sociedad | 1-1 |
| Other recent | La Liga | Mixed results | Various |
San Mamés: Athletic 5-2-3 vs Sociedad in last 10.
Predicted XI Lineups
Athletic Club (4-2-3-1): Unai Simón; Jesús Areso, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche, Adama Boiro; Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Mikel Jauregizar; Robert Navarro, Unai Gómez, Álex Berenguer; Gorka Guruzeta.
Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Álex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Jon Martín, Igor Zubeldia, Sergio Gómez; Carlos Soler, Benat Turrientes; Goncalo Guedes, Brais Méndez, Ander Barrenetxea; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Valverde/Alguacil briefings: Athletic Guruzeta up top; Sociedad Oyarzabal central. Subs: Djalo (Athletic), Barrenetxea (Sociedad).
Key Players
Athletic Club
- Unai Simón (GK) – Crucial shot-stopping presence who can keep Athletic in the game.
- Alex Berenguer (AM/W) – Creative threat who can destabilise Real Sociedad’s defence.
Real Sociedad
- Mikel Oyarzabal (FW) – In great attacking form and a key goal threat for La Real.
- Brais Méndez (MF/AM) – Midfield creator with goalscoring ability and range.
Match Prediction
Real Sociedad’s recent strong run and superior attacking rhythm give them a slight edge in this derby. Athletic’s squad issues and inconsistent form make it difficult for them to control the game for 90 minutes.
Predicted Score: Athletic Club 1–2 Real Sociedad — a tight but lively Basque derby with goals at both ends.
Where to Watch Athletic Club vs Real Sociedad
Stream Athletic Club vs Real Sociedad live with these La Liga options:
- Spain: DAZN holds La Liga broadcast rights, typically showing the big matches including this Basque derby.
- USA: La Liga games are often on ESPN / ESPN+ — check listings for this fixture.
- Global: La Liga official partners and live-score apps (FotMob, Sofascore, Flashscore) will provide live updates and lineups.