Basque Derby Clash: Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao Preview

Real Sociedad VS Athletic Bilbao Livescore / H2H stats and Live Streaming
Time:05-05-2025 03:00 Monday
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Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao lock horns at the Reale Arena in a highly anticipated Basque derby on Sunday. Real Sociedad, currently 10th with 42 points, will be eager to bounce back from their recent 1-0 defeat to Alaves and improve their recent form, having picked up only one point in their last three matches. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao sits comfortably in 4th place with 60 points, despite a heavy 3-0 loss to Manchester United in the Europa League.

Historically, home advantage has been crucial in this derby, with the away side losing the last six encounters. Athletic Bilbao, however, won the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier this season. Real Sociedad will be without Zubeldia, Odriozola, and Zakharyan due to injury. Athletic Club will miss Sancet, while De Marcos is a doubt.

Prediction: Given Real Sociedad's strong home record against Athletic Bilbao and the latter's focus potentially being split with their upcoming Europa League commitments, a tight encounter is expected. A 1-1 draw seems a plausible outcome.