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.
