Athletic Bilbao host Real Sociedad in La Liga Basque derby
Athletic Bilbao host Real Sociedad at San Mamés on Sunday, 1 November 2026, for the first Basque derby of the La Liga season, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 UK time. Real Sociedad arrive at the fixture sitting fifth in the league table with 19 points, while Athletic occupy eighth position with 12 points.
San Mamés hosts the Basque derby under contrasting league form
The fixture flips the traditional pecking order between the two clubs. Real Sociedad travel to Bilbao on a strong run of form that includes four consecutive La Liga victories against Valencia, Deportivo La Coruña, Málaga, and Levante, alongside a 6-0 win over Lillestrøm in the Europa League.
Bookmakers have priced Athletic Bilbao as slight favourites at approximately 2.15 on the moneyline, while Real Sociedad are available at 3.20 and a draw is priced at 3.70, according to tips.gg. That pricing reflects Athletic Bilbao’s home resilience at San Mamés. Real Sociedad have not won an away league match against their rivals since December 2020. Last season’s corresponding fixture in Bilbao ended in a 1-1 draw.
Recent head-to-head encounters and historical context
Real Sociedad hold the upper hand in recent meetings. The visitors are unbeaten in their last five matches against Athletic Bilbao across all competitions during the 2025-26 season. Those fixtures included two legs of the Copa del Rey semi-final won by Real Sociedad, alongside a 3-2 league victory at home. Athletic Bilbao did claim a 1-0 win in a club friendly back in October 2026, but competitive fixtures continue to favor the visitors.
Sportytrader.com notes that Real Sociedad have built an attacking output totalling 45 goals, driven by players such as Oyarzabal and Guedes. Oyarzabal has recorded two goals and three assists across his last five appearances. For Athletic Bilbao, Álex Berenguer has matched that exact output with two goals and three assists in his last five outings, serving as a primary creative outlet for the hosts.
Real Sociedad prioritizes possession as Athletic Bilbao returns Laporte
Tactical metrics highlight differing styles between the two sides. Tips.gg details that Real Sociedad average higher pass accuracy at approximately 88 percent compared to Athletic Bilbao’s 85 percent, controlling tempo through sustained possession. Conversely, Athletic Bilbao under Edin Terzic have displayed a more physical approach, averaging 47 fouls and seven yellow cards across their recent outings.
Athletic Bilbao welcome Aymeric Laporte back from suspension. Oihan Sancet, Gorka Guruzeta, and Unai Egiluz remain unavailable through injury, while Nico Williams and Iñaki Williams are projected to return to the starting line-up. The probable Athletic Bilbao line-up features Unai Simón in goal; Aitor Paredes, Dani Vivian, Aymeric Laporte, and Yuri Berchiche across the defence; Ruiz de Galarreta and Peio Canales in midfield; with Iñaki Williams, Álex Berenguer, and Nico Williams supporting Maroan Sannadi.