Basque Derby: Real Sociedad and Athletic Club Battle for Copa del Rey Final Spot
SAN SEBASTIAN, March 04, 2026 – The Reale Arena prepares for an electric atmosphere tonight as Real Sociedad hosts Athletic Club in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals. With a ticket to the final in Seville at stake, the home side enters the match with a narrow aggregate lead following a disciplined performance in the first leg at San Mamés.
Match Preview: The Road to Seville
Real Sociedad holds a 1-0 advantage heading into tonight’s 21:00 CEST kickoff. The decisive goal in the first leg was netted by Beñat Turrientes, providing “La Real” with a crucial away cushion. Under the management of Pellegrino Matarazzo, the San Sebastian outfit has shown remarkable defensive resilience, while Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club must find a way to overturn the deficit in one of Spanish football’s most intense rivalries.
The first leg was characterized by its physical nature, recording 30 fouls and four yellow cards. Analysts expect a similar level of intensity tonight, as Athletic Club looks to improve their finishing—a noted weakness in recent outings—to keep their hopes of a 2026 trophy alive. The winner of this tie is scheduled to face Atletico Madrid in the final on April 18, 2026.
Key Facts
The following historical data represents the all-time competitive record between Real Sociedad and Athletic Club as of the current season.
| Stat Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 174 |
| Athletic Club Wins | 68 |
| Real Sociedad Wins | 61 |
| Total Draws | 45 |
| Athletic Club Total Goals | 272 |
| Real Sociedad Total Goals | 232 |
| Current Aggregate Score | Real Sociedad 1-0 Athletic Club |
| Venue | Reale Arena (Anoeta), San Sebastian |
Current Form and Betting Insights
Real Sociedad enters the match as slight favorites with bookmakers, currently priced at 2.0 (approx. +100) to win the night. Their recent home form has been a significant factor, with the team winning three of their last five matches across all competitions. Athletic Club, while struggling with consistency in La Liga, remains a formidable cup opponent, though they have lost 67% of their last six league fixtures.
Projected Lineups
- Real Sociedad: Expected to lean on Turrientes in midfield and a high-possession strategy (forecasted at 57%).
- Athletic Club: Likely to rely on counter-attacking transitions to exploit the 1-0 deficit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the match start?
The match kicks off at 21:00 CEST (local time in Spain) on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Where can I watch Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Club?
In the United States, the match is available via Peacock and ESPN+. In the United Kingdom, coverage is provided by Sky Sports, while fans in India can stream the game on FanCode.
What happens if the aggregate score is tied?
If Athletic Club wins by exactly one goal tonight (e.g., 0-1), the match will proceed to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine who advances to the final.
Who scored the goal in the first leg?
Beñat Turrientes scored the only goal of the first leg at San Mamés, giving Real Sociedad the 1-0 lead they hold today.