Real Sociedad faces Athletic Club Sunday in a Basque derby match with European qualification positions at stake for both teams in LaLiga EA Sports.
The contest takes place at the Reale Arena and is part of the 34th matchday of the season. For Real Sociedad, the match carries weight in their pursuit of a spot in either the Europa League or Conference League next season.
Real Sociedad sits two points behind the Conference League spot and four points behind the Europa League position entering the match. Winning the derby would bring them closer to overtaking teams ahead in the standings. The game is also the final Basque derby for coach Imanol Alguacil, who announced he will depart the club at the end of the campaign. Real Sociedad welcomes back defender Nayef Aguerd from injury but remains without Igor Zubeldia.
Athletic Club comes into the match aiming to solidify its hold on fourth place, which grants entry to the Champions League. They hold a five-point lead over the team in fifth place. The Bilbao side recently suffered a 0-3 loss at home in the first leg of their Europa League semifinal tie against Manchester United.
That European setback leaves Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde with decisions regarding squad selection, balancing the importance of the derby with the upcoming second leg in England. Injuries keep Oihan Sancet and Oscar de Marcos unavailable for Athletic.
Off the field, supporters from both clubs gathered in San Sebastian demonstrating a friendly atmosphere before the match. friendly atmosphere
Recent history between the clubs shows a tendency for home wins in the derby. Athletic Club has not secured a victory in San Sebastian since March 2017. Real Sociedad's last win in Bilbao was in December 2020.
The match referee is César Soto Grado. Pizarro Gómez is in charge of the VAR.
Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil commented on Athletic's approach to the match despite their European focus.
"Whatever team they field, they will want to win the derby, as facing the return leg in Europe with a victory can be important for them," Alguacil said.
