Real Sociedad and Athletic Club Set for High-Stakes Derby Semi-Final Clash Athletic Club heads into Wednesday’s semi-final showdown against Real Sociedad at Anoeta Stadium with the weight of overturning a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. The Basque side, known as El Txuri-Urdin, enters the match as favorites despite missing key player Nico Williams, who is sidelined due to injury. Manager Ernesto Valverde confirmed to MD that Williams would not be fit to play, while Yuri Berchiche and Aymeric Laporte are also dealing with discomfort, leaving their availability uncertain. On the other hand, Real Sociedad’s Pellegrino Matarazzo revealed that Orri Oskarsson is out of the squad for recovery, though Ander Barrenetxea and Luka Sucic are expected to feature. Both managers hinted that reserve goalkeepers Alex Padilla (Athletic) and Unai Marrero (Real Sociedad) could start, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to the match. Valverde emphasized his team’s focus on executing a plan rather than worrying about the match’s duration. “We don’t care if it’s a long or short match,” he said. “Our priority is to come back. If we don’t concede, we just need to score one. If we do concede, we have to score more. The match will last around 90 minutes, but the outcome depends on how we manage the game.” He also downplayed concerns about conceding two goals on aggregate, noting the absence of the away goals rule. “Now, if we concede two, we have to score more than the opponent. We’ll try to win the game and I don’t expect a close match. We’re going to give it our all to win.” Matarazzo, meanwhile, praised his team’s preparation and energy ahead of the clash. “What I’m feeling is a really good energy, the perfect level of tension,” he said. “We can’t be too tense for an important match.#real_sociedad #athletic_club #anoeta_stadium #er_Nesto_valverde #pellegrino_matarazzo
Real Sociedad Faces Historic Home Derby Streak in Copa del Rey Final Real Sociedad has released the final list of ticket allocations for the Copa del Rey final, with the match against Atlético Madrid set to take place at Anoeta Stadium. The encounter is expected to be a pivotal moment in the club’s history, as they aim to extend their dominance in home derbies. The fixture has been described as a potential milestone, given the significance of the rivalry and the stakes involved. The draw for the final has raised concerns about Atlético Madrid’s preparation, as the team arrives with significantly less rest compared to Real Sociedad. This imbalance could impact the match dynamics, particularly in a high-intensity derby. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad has sold 6,752 tickets for the final, with an additional 612 seats available for purchase before the draw. The club has emphasized the importance of securing a strong fan turnout to support their campaign. A key development in the buildup to the final is the injury suffered by Yangel Herrera, who sustained a soleus muscle tear. The forward’s absence could affect Real Sociedad’s attacking options, as Herrera has been a vital player in their recent performances. Medical assessments are ongoing, and his availability for the final remains uncertain. The match is also being framed as a critical test for Real Sociedad’s resilience, with the club aiming to break records in their home derby streak. The final’s significance extends beyond the competition, as it represents a chance to solidify their status as one of Spain’s top clubs. Fans and analysts are closely monitoring the preparations, with the outcome likely to shape the club’s trajectory in the coming seasons.#atltico_madrid #copa_del_rey #real_sociedad #anoeta_stadium #yangel_herrera
