Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club: Copa del Rey Semi-Final
In a highly anticipated Copa del Rey semi-final, Real Sociedad will take on Athletic Club on March 5, 2026, at Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian, Spain. This match follows Real Sociedad’s recent 1-0 victory in the away leg, where Turrientes scored the decisive goal.
The upcoming clash is significant as it marks a continuation of the historical rivalry between the two Basque teams. Real Sociedad has not only secured a goal advantage but has also maintained dominance in their recent encounters, having not lost to Athletic Club in their last four fixtures. This includes their previous meeting in the 2019-2020 Copa del Rey finals, where Real Sociedad emerged victorious.
Real Sociedad’s key player, Alex Remiro, has been instrumental in their campaign, contributing to the team’s strong defensive record with 26 appearances in La Liga. Meanwhile, Athletic Club will look to Oihan Sancet, who has played two games in the Copa del Rey, to provide the necessary spark in their lineup.
For the semi-final, Real Sociedad is expected to adopt a 4-4-2 formation, while Athletic Club is predicted to line up in a 4-2-3-1 setup. The match will be officiated by referee César Soto Grado, adding another layer of anticipation as both teams prepare for this crucial encounter.
Historically, the rivalry between Real Sociedad and Athletic Club is rich, with a total of 174 matches played between them. Athletic Club has won 68 of these encounters, while Real Sociedad has claimed victory in 61, with 45 matches ending in a draw. This backdrop intensifies the stakes for both teams as they vie for a place in the final.
Real Sociedad aims to secure the Copa del Rey title for the fourth time, a feat that would be particularly meaningful as it would be their first final appearance in front of fans since 1988. The significance of this match is further heightened by the passionate support both teams receive from their loyal fanbases.
The match will be broadcasted in various regions, including India on FanCode, the UK on Premier Sports, Spain on RTVE, and the USA on ESPN+. As the date approaches, excitement builds among fans eager to witness this historic rivalry unfold once again.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineups or strategies, but both teams are expected to bring their best to the pitch in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final showdown.
