Real Sociedad Strikes First in Tense Copa del Rey Semi-Final Against Athletic Club
In a match brimming with Basque pride and high stakes, Real Sociedad delivered a masterclass to edge Athletic Club 1-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at San Mamés. Beñat Turrientes' composed 61st-minute finish proved decisive, handing the Txuri Urdin a slender but significant advantage ahead of the return fixture at Anoeta. This clash, steeped in rivalry, showcased Real's resurgence under coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has transformed the side into unbeaten contenders in 2026.
Match Overview: Real's Dominance in the Lion's Den
The atmosphere at San Mamés was electric, with over 50,000 roaring fans creating a cauldron of pressure for the visitors. Yet, Real Sociedad refused to buckle. From the opening whistle, they assumed control, dictating the tempo with precise passing and aggressive pressing. Athletic, under Ernesto Valverde, relied on their trademark resilience and counter-attacks, but struggled to penetrate Real's solid backline anchored by Duje Caleta-Car and Jon Martín.
Real's superiority was evident in possession stats—clocking around 58%—and their flurry of chances. Goalkeeper Álex Remiro was rarely tested, while at the other end, Athletic's stand-in keeper Álex Padilla emerged as an unlikely hero, thwarting several clear opportunities. The game's turning point came just after the hour mark when Turrientes latched onto a clever through-ball and slotted home past Padilla, sending the away fans into raptures.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
Early on, Gonçalo Guedes tested Padilla with a curling effort from the edge of the box, forcing a fingertip save that looped onto the bar. Minutes later, Pablo Marín squandered a golden chance, his close-range shot from a Guedes assist parried away for a corner. Jon Martín then rose highest from a set-piece, his header goal-bound until Padilla's thigh diverted it wide.
Athletic's best moments came sporadically: Iñaki Williams darted down the flank but was denied by Remiro's sharp reflexes, and Gorka Guruzeta's snapshot flew harmlessly over. The tension peaked in the second half as Real pushed for a second, with Mikel Oyarzabal's driven shot grazing the post. Yellow cards flew late on—Gonçalo Guedes, Álvaro Odriozola, and even Matarazzo picked up bookings—reflecting the match's intensity.
Player Performances: Turrientes Shines, Padilla Battles Valiantly
Beñat Turrientes was the undisputed star, his goal capping a tireless display in midfield. Once on the fringes under previous management, the 22-year-old has flourished under Matarazzo, contributing three goals and two assists in 2026 alone. His vision and composure in the box were pivotal, embodying Real's renewed ambition.
Mikel Oyarzabal, the evergreen captain, led by example with his work rate and probing runs, while Sergio Gómez provided width on the left. For Athletic, Padilla's eight saves—including a stunning double-stop—kept his side in contention. The young keeper, usually a Liga benchwarmer, justified Valverde's selection for this cup tie. Iñaki Williams showed flashes of his pace but was isolated, and midfielders like Unai Gómez battled hard without creating enough.
Valverde's substitutions—Nico Williams, Nico Serrano, and others around the 55th minute—aimed to inject energy, but Real's late changes, including Orri Óskarsson and Yangel Herrera, maintained control. The final whistle brought relief to the visitors and frustration to the home crowd, who had hoped for a reversal of their recent league derby loss to Real.
Tactical Insights: Matarazzo's Magic Touch
Pellegrino Matarazzo deserves plaudits for revitalizing Real Sociedad. Arriving when the team was languishing, the American coach has instilled a fluid 4-3-3 system emphasizing quick transitions and high pressing. This semi-final win marks their eighth unbeaten game in 2026, positioning them as dark horses for the La Cartuja final.
Contrastingly, Athletic's pragmatic approach—deep defense and reliance on set-pieces—held firm but lacked potency upfront. Valverde's decision to rest Unai Simón in favor of Padilla paid dividends in resilience but highlighted squad depth concerns. Real's clinical edge, with Turrientes as the finisher, exposed Athletic's vulnerabilities.
The Road to Anoeta: What's Next?
With a 1-0 lead, Real Sociedad heads to Anoeta brimming with confidence, but Athletic's home record in cups is formidable. The second leg on February 18 promises fireworks, as Bilbao seeks to harness San Mamés' spirit away from home. A place in the final against either Barcelona or Valencia awaits the victor, making this Basque showdown a potential classic.
This result underscores the Copa del Rey's magic: underdogs rising, rivalries igniting, and moments of brilliance deciding fates. For fans in the UK and beyond, it's a reminder of Spanish football's passion, where every goal carries the weight of history.
In summary, Real Sociedad's mature performance and Turrientes' strike have tilted the tie in their favor. Athletic must summon a monumental effort to overturn the deficit, but in derbies like this, anything is possible. Stay tuned for the return leg—Basque football at its finest.
