Athletic Bilbao seeks to break winless streak against Real Sociedad

OPA WIRE, Nov 1 (OPA) — Athletic Bilbao enters tonight’s derby looking to reverse a trend that saw them fail to secure a single victory against Real Sociedad throughout the 2025-26 season. The rivalry proved lopsided last year, with the San Sebastian club eliminating Athletic in the Copa del Rey semifinals and maintaining an unbeaten record across four competitive meetings.

The previous campaign was marked by frustration for the Bilbao side. On November 1, 2025, Real Sociedad claimed a 3-2 victory at Anoeta, with a late goal from Gorrotxategi securing the win despite Athletic twice leveling the score through Guruzeta and Robert Navarro. Later in the season, under manager Matarazzo, the teams drew 1-1 at San Mamés, with Galarreta equalizing in the 88th minute after a Guedes opener.

Copa del Rey fixtures further compounded Athletic’s struggles during a period plagued by injuries. Real Sociedad secured a 1-0 win in the first leg via a Turrientes goal and repeated the scoreline in the return leg with an Oyarzabal penalty. Real Sociedad eventually went on to lift the trophy at La Cartuja, defeating Atlético Madrid in a penalty shootout.

Athletic’s last competitive victory in the derby dates back to November 24, 2024, when a Sancet goal secured a 1-0 win. While Athletic previously enjoyed a four-match winning streak in league derbies between 2021 and 2024, the current momentum favors the visitors. Although Athletic recorded a 1-0 win in the EH Txapela preseason match last month, tonight’s fixture marks the first high-stakes test of the current term.