Real Sociedad welcome Athletic Bilbao to Anoeta Stadium in one of La Liga’s most fiercely contested Basque derbies. Real Sociedad arrive off the back of consecutive top-four finishes, blending an attractive possession style with clinical finishing. Under Imanol Alguacil, they have developed a reputation for strong home form and tactical flexibility.
Athletic Bilbao, coached by Ernesto Valverde, will be eager to maintain their unblemished start in the competition and assert their regional pride. With seasoned veterans like Iñaki Williams and Mikel Vesga leading the charge, Athletic’s physical intensity and aerial threat will test Sociedad’s backline. Both sides know that a win here could be pivotal in the early La Liga standings.
Broadcast Details
For fans in the UK, the match kicks off at 20:00 UK time and will be shown live on Premier Sports 2. Subscribers can access full HD coverage with expert commentary and in-game analysis. Simply tune in to channel 102 or stream via the Premier Player app for mobile and Smart TV viewing.
International viewers can catch the action on LALIGATV, the official streaming service offering live coverage of every La Liga fixture. A subscription grants access to pre-match build-up, half-time discussion, and post-match interviews. Ensure your account is active ahead of kick-off and enjoy uninterrupted, ad-free service.
Prediction
This derby promises to be a cagey affair, but we expect Real Sociedad to edge it 2-1. Sociedad’s midfield creativity, led by Mikel Merino, should unlock Athletic’s defence, while Alexander Sørloth’s aerial prowess will pose a constant threat from set-pieces. Athletic will not go down quietly, with Iñaki Williams likely to exploit any pace on the counter.
Ultimately, home advantage and Sociedad’s superior ball retention give them the edge. Athletic Bilbao’s resilience means they should score, but Sociedad’s well-drilled defensive unit is favoured to hold on for all three points. A closely fought contest, decided by tactical nuance and finishing quality, seems the most likely outcome.
