Preview: Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Copa del Rey 2025-26

Can Bilbao overturn a solitary goal deficit to make it to their 41st Copa del Rey final?

The Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian, Spain, gears up to host the Copa del Rey semi-final fixture between home team Real Sociedad and Athletic Club Bilbao.

There is nothing to separate the two sides when it comes to points in LaLiga, but the home team have a solitary goal advantage as they are just a clean sheet away from securing their spot in the Finals. Turrientes’ goal in the 62nd minute was enough to seal the win for Sociedad in the away leg.

It won’t be an easy task for Bilbao, but the second most successful side in this competition knows what it takes to make it to their 41st Copa del Rey finals. They are led by Spanish gaffer Ernesto Valverde, who has been at the managerial helm of teams like FC Barcelona, Valencia and Olympiacos previously.

Kick-off:

• Location: San Sebastian, Spain
• Stadium: Anoeta Stadium
• Date: Thursday, March 5
• Kick-off Time: 1:30 a.m. IST
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Players to Watch

Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad)

The Spanish custodian will be up against his former side in a crucial game, where a clean sheet would be enough to seal the final spot for Sociedad. He has been a regular starter for the team, making 26 appearances in La Liga, but only two starts in the Copa del Rey in the last two games.

Oihan Sancet (Athletic Bilbao)

The Spanish midfielder from Pamplona will be tasked with the responsibility of creating chances, as Bilbao needs at least a goal to keep their final hopes alive. Despite being inconsistent due to injuries, his creativity and technical brilliance will be key for Bilbao in a must-win game against Sociedad. He played 2 games in the Copa del Rey and missed the last two games due to a muscle injury.

Match Facts

• In the 2019-2020 Copa Del Rey finals, Real Sociedad defeated Bilbao 1-0
• Telmo Zarra is the leading goalscorer in this fixture.
• Bilbao are winless against Real Sociedad in the last four fixtures.

Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club: Betting Tips and Odds

• Athletic Bilbao to win the match – 27/10 with bet365
• Gorka Guruzeta to score a goal – 5/2 with bet365
• Real Sociedad 1-3 Athletic Club – 33/1 with bet365

Injury and Team News

The home side will miss the presence of Alvaro Odriozola and Takefusa Kubo in the next game.

Unai Eguiluz, Benat Prados and Nico Williams will be absent for the next game for Bilbao.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 174

Sociedad won: 61

Athletic won: 68

Draws: 45

Predicted Lineups

Real Sociedad predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Remiro (GK); Aramburu, Zubeldia, Caleta Car, Gomez; Guedes, Gorrotxategi, Turrientes, Zakharyan; Oyarzabal, Soler

Athletic Bilbao predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Simon (GK); Areso, Vivian, Laporte, Berchiche; Galarreta, Jauregizar; Williams, Sancet, Gomez; Guruzeta

Match Prediction

Despite the home side having a slender advantage, we expect this game to end in Bilbao’s favour. After all, they are one of the most successful sides of this competition, and with the availability of Sancet, Inaki Williams and Gomez, they have all it takes to overturn a solitary goal lead.

Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-3 Athletic Club

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

UK: Premier Sports

Spain: RTVE

USA: ESPN+

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