Real Sociedad and Athletic Club will meet for the first time this season at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián this weekend. It’s one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in LALIGA EA SPORTS year after year, with this season’s clash more important than ever given that both teams have shown they’ll be fighting near the top of the standings. There are many outstanding players to look out for too, making Saturday’s game a must-not-miss event.
The great start to the season for both teams
Real Sociedad have started LALIGA EA SPORTS showing that they will once again be a serious candidate to fight for the Champions League places, a competition which they have already returned to this season by drawing against last year’s runners-up Inter Milan. But, one of their biggest rivals this season promises to be Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club, who are enjoying one of their best starts in recent times and are positioning themselves to fight for important objectives this season.
Athletic Club’s six seasons without a win at the Reale Arena
For the Bilbao side, visiting their neighbours’ stadium has become an ordeal, as they have not been able to take three points away from home since the 2016/17 season, when they won 2-0. In recent years they have been defeated four times and have managed two draws. On Saturday, after a good start to the season, they will try to break that run and get back to winning ways in Gipuzkoa.
The magic of Kubo and co.
One of the biggest names in Spanish football at the start of this season is Takefusa Kubo. His four goals and, above all, his playmaking and football skill are attracting the attention of fans. He is also well supported by Ander Barrenetxea, who has three goals, and Brais Méndez, who has provided three assists. Real Sociedad’s attack is working and it is frightening.
The Williams brothers… and one more
Iñaki and Nico Williams are becoming more and more established as a duo at Athletic Club. The two brothers are also putting up great numbers in these first few games. The older brother, Iñaki, has scored four goals and shared two assists, the same as his younger brother, who could return from injury this matchday. But, Valverde has more options than just the Williams brothers. Gorka Guruzeta, with 3 goals, has become a great offensive alternative for Los Rojiblancos, a weapon that Valverde will wield again against Real Sociedad.
The battle in the dugout of top Spanish coaches
Imanol Alguacil and Ernesto Valverde are two of Spain’s most highly valued and sought-after coaches, as they both have a way of understanding football that their fanbases love. In recent seasons they have faced each other on several occasions, with the former FC Barcelona and current Athletic Club coach beating the tactician from San Sebastián in their head-to-head ranking. Of the five meetings between the two, Valverde has won three, while one ended in a draw and Imanol came out on top in one, precisely the derby between the two played at the Reale Arena last season.
