Athletic Club
Real Sociedad*How did the teams perform?
Athletic Club
Real Sociedad
Match Stats
Lineup
Athletic Club
82' Replaced by M. Jauregizar
56' Replaced by U. Gomez
56' Replaced by R. Navarro
56' Replaced by I. Williams
66'
Foul
56' Replaced by A. Rego
Real Sociedad
62'
58' Unsportsmanlike conduct
62'
90+6' Foul
90+5' Replaced by G. Guedes
85' Replaced by C. Soler
65'
85' Replaced by P. Marin
74' Replaced by B. Turrientes
74' Replaced by J. Aramburu
No standings data available for this league
Real Sociedad secured a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over fierce rivals Athletic Club, with Beñat Turrientes scoring the crucial winner in a tense Copa del Rey encounter.
The highly anticipated Basque Derby at San Mamés carried immense weight for both sides on February 11, 2026. Progression in the prestigious Copa del Rey was at stake, fueling an electric atmosphere between the two local giants.
The first half saw a typically cagey affair, with neither team truly dominating possession or creating significant threats. Both Athletic Club and Real Sociedad prioritised defensive solidity, resulting in few clear-cut chances.
Real Sociedad held a slight edge in possession, controlling 53% of the ball during the opening period. However, shots on target remained low, reflecting the midfield battle and disciplined defending from both teams.
Athletic Club’s Alex Padilla was largely untroubled, making few saves. Similarly, Álex Remiro in the Real Sociedad goal had a quiet start, as the teams went into the break level and scoreless.
The half-time whistle offered a critical opportunity for both coaching staffs to adjust their strategies. Athletic Club needed to find more attacking impetus, while Real Sociedad sought to turn their possession into genuine threats.
The second half began with renewed intensity. Athletic Club made a series of substitutions in the 56th minute, bringing on fresh legs in an attempt to spark their offense and break the deadlock. Immediately following, Real Sociedad’s Gonçalo Guedes received a yellow card in the 58th minute for unsportsmanlike conduct, signaling the rising tension.
Real Sociedad then found the breakthrough in the 62nd minute. Beñat Turrientes latched onto a well-placed pass from Guedes, guiding his shot precisely into the net. The away fans erupted as their team took a vital lead.
The goal injected more urgency into the match. Real Sociedad’s Álvaro Odriozola was booked in the 65th minute, quickly followed by a yellow card for Athletic Club’s Iñaki Ruiz de Galarreta in the 66th minute, both for fouls as the intensity grew.
Real Sociedad made tactical changes in the 74th minute, bringing on new players, with goal-scorer Turrientes departing. Athletic Club pushed for an equalizer, but Real Sociedad defended resolutely, particularly with midfielder Jon Martin earning a high rating for his overall performance.
Despite Athletic Club making further changes, including Mikel Vesga in the 82nd minute, they struggled to convert possession into meaningful chances. Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper Álex Remiro made three crucial saves to preserve their lead, while Athletic Club’s Alex Padilla had made five saves across the match.
The statistics highlighted a tight contest; Real Sociedad finished with 53% possession and 6 shots on target from 12 total attempts. Athletic Club, despite 47% possession, managed only 3 shots on target from 13 total shots. Both teams registered an expected goals (xG) of 0, emphasizing the defensive nature and the clinical finish from Turrientes.
As the final whistle blew after Mikel Oyarzabal received a yellow card deep into injury time, Real Sociedad celebrated a significant derby victory. This hard-earned 1-0 away win propels them into the next round of the Copa del Rey, ending Athletic Club’s cup hopes on their home turf.
