Athletic Bilbao – Real Sociedad

It’s time once again for the big football derby of the Basque country! Athletic Bilbao are hosting their biggest rival Real Sociedad at the San Mames Barria and everything is pointing out to another passionate clash between two fierce rivals.

Both teams are currently in similar position in the La Liga standings. Athletic are performing a little better, being currently placed in the Europa League zone with 12 points won. Real Sociedad are 9th with 10 points won so far.

Athletic will be without the services of Aitor Seguin, Ager Aketxe and Iker Hernandez, who are still injured, while Eneko, Oscar De Marcos and Benat are doubtful for the derby. Iker Undabarrene and Aritz Aduriz are fully recovered and they could participate in the clash.

Real Sociedad’s manager Eusebio can use once again the recovered Carlos Martinez, Yuri Berchiche and Joseba Zaldua, while Hector Hernandez and Jon Gaztañaga are doubtful for the game.

Athletic will try to record its first win over Real Sociedad since 2012, when the Bilbao team managed to win with 2-0 at home. Since then, Athletic is unable to win the derby and it’s been a long wait for its fans. Last season La Real won the derby at the San Mames Barria with 1-0, which was really hurtful for everybody in Bilbao.

The Bilbao club is clearly facing some serious difficulties against Sociedad in the last few years. It’s unexplainable why Athletic can’t beat its biggest rival on so many occasions, but every bad run should end at some point. Could this happen this weekend? We are about to see, but one thing is for sure – we should expect a fierce and passionate derby, like every other time when these two teams meet. Passion is a big trait of the Basque football, so expect nothing less than a great battle at the San Mames Barria.