Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad clash in big Basque Derby with top-six implications

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad - 20/02/2022

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Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad will renew their long-time rivalry on Sunday in the latest edition of the Basque Derby. The Lions head into the game in eighth place and just five points off of the top four.

Real Sociedad are sixth in the La Liga standings ahead of the Baque Derby. The Royal are one point back of the top four and potential qualification to the Champions League next season.

Imanol Alguacil’s Real Sociedad are coming off of a hard fought 2-2 draw in Germany against RB Leipzig in the Europa League last 16 playoffs. The two teams will now meet again next week to determine which side qualifies for the round of 16 proper in the Europa League.

It is a tricky time for Real Sociedad as the derby comes in between the two matches versus RB Leipzig. Alguacil’s team has is winless in four of its last five games in all competitions. He needs the side to find some form and a win over Athletic Bilbao would do just that.

Athletic Bilbao go into the game on Sunday having taken 10 points from the last 18 points available in the division. They scored nine goals and conceded seven times. The Lions have not defeated Real Sociedad in their last five attempts.

The Basque clubs drew the last two derby games in La Liga. Real Sociedad have put together an excellent record against Athletic Bilbao across the teams’ last 10 meetings. Real Sociedad have a record of 6W-2D-2L against Athletic Bilbao in the teams’ last 10 matches in all competitions.

Real Sociedad took nine points from the last 18 points available in the league. They scored just five goals and conceded four times. Neither of these teams score many goals in La Liga. Both are more defensive than they are attacking.

Two of the last three derbies saw Real Sociedad open the scoring from the penalty spot. The reverse fixture, which ended 1-1 thanks to a 90th-minute Athletic Bilbao equaliser, saw Inigo Martinez of Athletic Club sent off.

Alguacil could have the duo of Nacho Monreal and Carlos Fernandez available following injuries. Forward Adnan Januzaj is ruled out until March. Diego Rico is also ruled out until March.

Marcelino will be without Oier Zarraga due to a suspension. Ander Capa is a doubt following a positive COVID-19 test. Nico Williams and Unai Vencedor are both doubts due to injuries.

The last two Basque Derbies ended 1-1 and like those two fixtures, Sunday’s game should end in a score draw. Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad will likely finish 1-1 once more.

Home team
Away team

Probability %

1X2

Pred

Correct score

Avg. goals

Weather conditions

Coef.

Score

Live
coef.

Es1

Athletic Bilbao Real Sociedad 20/02/2022 21:00

314129

X

1 - 1

1.82

12°

3.00

2.38 3.00 3.40 no no no

FT

4 - 0(0 - 0)

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