Real Sociedad (home)
- Real Sociedad lead the Copa del Rey semi-final 1 - 0 on aggregate after a gritty away win at San Mamés.
- Pellegrino Matarazzo has had an immediate impact since taking over in December 2025, bringing a high-intensity pressing game.
- Beñat Turrientes, who scored the crucial away goal in the first leg, has been the catalyst for La Real’s upturn in results, dictating play from midfield with his energy and vision.
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Recent form:
- Won 3 of their last five competitive matches.
- Drew 1 of their last five competitive matches.
- Lost 1 of their last five competitive matches.
Athletic (away)
- Athletic have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five competitive matches.
- Athletic are direct and physical, making it a potentially tough midfield battle.
- Athletic have been tough to break down at home but conceded in each of their last three league games, showing some defensive frailty when on their back foot.
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Recent form:
- Won 2 of their last five competitive matches.
- Drew 2 of their last five competitive matches.
- Lost 1 of their last five competitive matches.
Head-to-Head
- The winner of this match-up will be in Seville for the Copa del Rey final in 2025 - 2026.
- This is one of Spain’s most heated local rivalries, so expect a passionate atmosphere at Anoeta.
Key Players
- Beñat Turrientes, who scored the crucial away goal in the first leg, has been the catalyst for La Real’s upturn in results, dictating play from midfield with his energy and vision.
- Mikel Oyarzabal is La Real’s talisman and will likely be on the scoresheet again after notching a penalty at the Bernabéu in their latest big game.
- Carlos Soler and Gonçalo Guedes have been key to Real’s build-up play, combining for goals and assists in recent games.
- Iñaki Williams was the hero when Athletic drew level at Vallecas, and Athletic are notably less potent in attack without him, as his pace and aerial power unsettle defenses.
- Oihan Sancet has been a spark of brilliance in central midfield, although his fitness is a little suspect.
- Unai Simón’s goalkeeping heroics have kept Athletic in several close games recently and could have an important impact.
Betting Insights
- Athletic are offered at 3.65 while La Real are 2.0 in match odds.
- The market for both teams to score sits around 1.85.
- With La Real 1 - 0 on aggregate and home advantage, the bookies’ pricing slightly favours the home side.
Prediction
- Given the stakes, a match with both teams scoring seems the most likely result, with odds of 1.85 reflecting that.
- Expect a tight, hard-fought game where both sides will get chances, and back both teams to find the net in a fixture that should go the distance.
