Athletic Club vs Real Sociedad: Copa del Rey Semifinal – Time, TV Channel & How to Watch
- San Sebastián, Spain – A Basque derby with significant implications unfolds tonight as Athletic Club hosts Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
- Real Sociedad, under the guidance of new manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, has experienced a resurgence in La Liga, currently holding the eighth position in the standings.
- The return leg is slated for March 4th, adding another layer of anticipation to this two-legged affair.
San Sebastián, Spain – A Basque derby with significant implications unfolds tonight as Athletic Club hosts Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. The match, scheduled for at 9:00 PM local time at San Mamés stadium, pits two teams with contrasting recent fortunes against each other, both vying for a coveted spot in the final.
Real Sociedad, under the guidance of new manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, has experienced a resurgence in La Liga, currently holding the eighth position in the standings. This upturn in form provides a boost of confidence as they travel to Bilbao. Athletic Club, however, finds itself in a different situation. Having been eliminated from the Champions League and distanced from European qualification through league play, the Copa del Rey represents a crucial opportunity for silverware and a potential route back into European competition next season. Despite a recent league victory, Ernesto Valverde’s side will be eager to establish a strong advantage at home ahead of the return leg.
The return leg is slated for , adding another layer of anticipation to this two-legged affair. The historical rivalry between these two Basque clubs adds further spice to the contest. The last time the two sides met in a Copa del Rey final was in the 2019-20 edition, played in April 2021 due to pandemic-related delays, with Real Sociedad emerging victorious in a behind-closed-doors match at La Cartuja stadium. That victory marked the third Copa del Rey title for Real Sociedad, while Athletic Club boasts a considerably more impressive record with 24 titles.
Both teams navigated challenging paths to reach the semi-final stage. Athletic Club overcame Ourense, Cultural Leonesa and Valencia in their previous rounds. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, dispatched Negreira, Reus, Eldense, Osasuna, and Alavés to secure their place in the final four. This demonstrates the competitive nature of the Copa del Rey, where even lower-league opposition can pose a threat.
Tonight’s match will be broadcast live on La 1 in Spain, with coverage beginning at 8:45 PM local time. Fans can also stream the game via RTVE Play. The broadcast provides a national platform for this highly anticipated Basque clash.
The Copa del Rey, founded in 1903, is the oldest Spanish football competition at the national level. The tournament’s winner earns automatic qualification for the UEFA Europa League, adding further incentive for both Athletic Club and Real Sociedad. If the Copa del Rey winner has already qualified for European competition through their league position, the Europa League spot is awarded to the highest-placed team in La Liga that has not yet qualified. This rule change, implemented in 2014, underscores the importance of the Copa del Rey as a pathway to European football.
Barcelona currently holds the most Copa del Rey titles with 32, followed by Athletic Bilbao with 24 and Real Madrid with 20. Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in the 2025 final, held at the Estadio de La Cartuja, to claim their most recent title. This historical dominance highlights the prestige associated with winning the competition.
For Athletic Club, the Copa del Rey represents more than just a trophy; it’s a chance to salvage a season that has fallen short of expectations in other competitions. Valverde will be looking for a dominant performance at San Mamés to build momentum and give his team a significant advantage heading into the second leg. Real Sociedad, buoyed by their recent league form and the arrival of Matarazzo, will aim to replicate their 2021 final victory and continue their impressive cup run. The tactical battle between Valverde and Matarazzo will be a key aspect of the match, as both managers seek to exploit their opponents’ weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths.
The atmosphere at San Mamés is expected to be electric, with both sets of supporters eager to witness this crucial encounter. The passion and intensity of the Basque derby are renowned throughout Spanish football, and tonight’s match promises to be no exception. The outcome of this first leg will undoubtedly set the stage for a thrilling return fixture and determine which of these two historic clubs will advance to the Copa del Rey final.