Basque Derby: Athletic Club and Real Sociedad Clash in Copa del Rey Semifinal
BILBAO, February 11, 2026 – The historic San Mamés Stadium prepares to host one of the most anticipated fixtures in Spanish football as Athletic Club faces Real Sociedad tonight in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. This high-stakes “Basque Derby” comes as both teams look to secure a crucial advantage in their quest for the final in Seville.
Match Preview: Semifinal First Leg
Athletic Club enters the semifinal following a dramatic 2-1 victory over Valencia, secured by a 96th-minute goal from Iñaki Williams. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad reached the final four for the third consecutive season after a resilient comeback victory against Alavés. Tonight’s match marks the first of two legs, with the return fixture scheduled to determine who will advance to the tournament final.
Recent form favors the visitors slightly in league play, as Real Sociedad is currently on a seven-game unbeaten run in La Liga following a 3-1 win over Elche. However, Athletic Club remains formidable at home under Ernesto Valverde, having won two of their last three home derbies. The most recent encounter between these two sides ended in a 1-1 draw on February 1, 2026, where Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta scored a late equalizer for the Lions.
Historical Head-to-Head Record
The rivalry between these two Basque giants is one of the most balanced in Spanish football. According to historical records, the teams have met over 170 times in official competitions.
| Category | Athletic Club (Bilbao) | Real Sociedad |
|---|---|---|
| Total Wins (All Competitions) | 68 | 60 |
| Total Draws | 45 | |
| Total Goals Scored | 272 | 231 |
| La Liga Wins (Last 18 Games) | 5 | 8 |
Current Match Details
- Tournament: Copa del Rey (Semifinal, 1st Leg)
- Date: February 11, 2026
- Venue: San Mamés, Bilbao
- Kick-off: 20:00 UTC / 21:00 local time
- Broadcast: DAZN (Spain), ESPN (USA)
Team News and Tactical Outlook
Real Sociedad manager Matarazzo has stated that his side will not play with the “handbrake on” despite the two-legged format, suggesting an aggressive approach at San Mamés. Athletic Club is expected to rely on the pace of the Williams brothers, though Ernesto Valverde faces some selection concerns due to minor injuries sustained during the dense February fixture list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Athletic vs. Real Sociedad match being played?
The match is being held at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.
Is this a knockout match?
No, this is the first leg of a two-legged semifinal. The aggregate score across both matches will determine who moves on to the Copa del Rey final.
What was the result of the last match between these teams?
The most recent meeting took place on February 1, 2026, in La Liga, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Who scored the winning goal for Athletic in the quarterfinals?
Iñaki Williams scored the decisive goal in the 96th minute against Valencia to send Athletic Club to this semifinal.