Real Sociedad take on the visitors Athletic Bilbao in the round 34 match of Spanish LaLiga. The match will be played on Sunday, April 4th at Reale Arena (San Sebastian).
Real Sociedad want to end their manager’s era on a positive note. The Txuri-Urdin have achieved a lot under Imanol Alguacil, even if not everything. The team famously won the long-delayed Copa del Rey, and secured a top-four finish in 2023 that brought them back to the Champions League. They also reached the knockout stage of that European campaign, a notable accomplishment. However, signs of decline have been clear since last season, with many linking the drop-off to the burden of European fixtures. This term, the regression has continued. Yes, Sociedad reached the Europa League knockout rounds — eliminated only in March by Manchester United — and briefly fought back in the Copa del Rey semi-final after a 0-1 home loss to Real Madrid. But their league form has fallen off a cliff, with more losses than wins and a current 10th-place standing that’s well below expectations. Their recent 0-2 defeat to Betis underscored how far their form has slipped.
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Athletic have already enjoyed past success under Ernesto Valverde, so it was no surprise they brought him back as soon as they could. His first season back wasn’t especially memorable, but things have since turned around. In 2024, the club lifted the Copa del Rey and finished 5th in La Liga. Now they are pushing on even further — both domestically and in Europe. Athletic have reached the Europa League semi-finals, where they’re facing Manchester United. The first leg ended in a disappointing 0-3 defeat, particularly due to a poor first half. Still, in La Liga, they remain impressively consistent, currently 4th with 60 points after a narrow but deserved 1-0 win over Las Palmas. They also boast one of the league’s tightest defences.
Athletic have won three of the last four Basque derbies, including each of the last two. Athletic are being underrated here, despite clearly superior recent form. Back the visitors to avoid defeat.
Prediction for the match: Athletic Bilbao not to lose (X2).
