The Basque Derby, one of the most passionate and historic fixtures in Spanish football, takes center stage as Real Sociedad hosts Athletic Club at the Reale Arena. This Matchday 11 encounter in LaLiga is more than just a battle for three points; it is a fierce clash for regional pride, with both clubs looking to solidify their positions amidst mixed starts to the 2025/2026 season. Real Sociedad, finding their footing after a difficult start, face an Athletic Club side that has been more consistent but recently stumbled, setting the stage for a tight, unpredictable contest.
Match Details
This crucial fixture will be played at Real Sociedad’s home ground in Donostia-San Sebastián.
CompetitionDateKick-off (IST)VenueLaLiga EA Sports – Matchday 11Saturday, November 1, 202511:00 PM ISTAnoeta Stadium (Reale Arena), San Sebastián
Team Form and Analysis for Real Sociedad
Domestic Form and European Performance
Real Sociedad has endured a challenging start to the domestic campaign, currently residing in the lower half of the LaLiga table. With only nine points from their opening ten matches, their form has been inconsistent (LWLLDW in LaLiga). However, there are recent signs of improvement, including a morale-boosting 2-1 league victory against Sevilla and a decisive 3-0 win in the Copa del Rey, suggesting the team under coach Sergio Francisco may be turning a corner. The team has averaged around one goal scored per match, while conceding slightly more, indicating defensive fragility remains a concern.
Key Player for Real Sociedad
The main attacking threat for La Real is their captain, Mikel Oyarzabal. The forward has been directly involved in a significant portion of the team’s goals this season, netting four times across all competitions. His leadership, composure from the penalty spot, and ability to link up with the midfield will be vital in unlocking Athletic Club’s robust defense.
Team Form and Analysis for Athletic Club
Domestic Form and European Performance
Athletic Club sits comfortably in the top half of the LaLiga standings with 14 points from ten games. Their league form has been patchy (LDLWDL), culminating in a recent 0-1 home defeat to Getafe. Despite their domestic struggles in the final third—scoring only nine goals in ten league matches—the team has shown resilience defensively, conceding only ten goals. The Lions have also been competing in the Champions League, where they secured an important 3-1 victory over Qarabag FK recently, showcasing their European ambitions.
Key Player for Athletic Club
The explosive winger Nico Williams is Athletic Club’s most dangerous attacking outlet. His pace, dribbling ability, and capacity to create chances on the flank make him a constant threat to any defense. He is expected to operate on the wing, providing service to central forward Gorka Guruzeta and posing a direct goal threat.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The Basque Derby is historically a tightly contested fixture, with a relatively even overall record. The recent encounters have been particularly close, often resulting in low-scoring affairs.
CompetitionMatches PlayedReal Sociedad WinsAthletic Club WinsDrawsAll LaLiga171596844Last 5 LaLiga Meetings5131
The most recent LaLiga clash at the Reale Arena ended in a 0-0 draw, reflecting the competitive nature of this rivalry on Real Sociedad’s turf.
Players to Watch
Beyond the main key players, several individuals could prove decisive in the outcome of this derby.
Brais Méndez (Real Sociedad): A creative midfielder who dictates the tempo and poses a threat from set pieces and long-range shooting. His battle with Athletic’s central midfielders will be critical.
Oihan Sancet (Athletic Club): The attacking midfielder provides the crucial link between midfield and attack for the visitors. His movement and ability to find pockets of space are key to Athletic’s offensive strategy.
Álex Remiro (Real Sociedad): The goalkeeper will need to be at his best to deny the runs of Nico Williams and the finishing of Guruzeta, especially given the expected tightness of the contest.
Prediction
This match is likely to be a classic, fiercely fought Basque Derby. Real Sociedad carries a slight momentum from their recent back-to-back wins, but their overall league position highlights lingering inconsistencies. Athletic Club, while higher in the table, has struggled for goals domestically and arrives following a defeat. The historical trend of tight, low-scoring derbies is highly likely to continue. Given the defensive strength of Athletic and the recent upturn in Real Sociedad’s form at home, the most probable result is a draw, though a narrow victory for either side is certainly possible.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-1 Athletic Club
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
The full details for where to watch this match will be confirmed closer to the date, but for fans in Spain and internationally, the match will be broadcast live by the official LaLiga rights holders. Please check your local listings for definitive broadcast information.
Spain: Coverage is typically available on platforms such as Movistar LaLiga.
International: Check local sports networks and streaming services that carry LaLiga matches, such as ESPN+, Viaplay, or beIN Sports, depending on your region.
The match is broadcast by various channels and streaming services globally
RegionTV Channel / Streaming ServiceItaly / UKDAZNUnited StatesParamount+ FOX DeportesCanadafuboTV CanadaLatin AmericaESPN Disney+
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
