Played
December 5, 2010 8:00 PM GMT
Estadio Municipal de Anoeta — Donostia-San Sebastián
Referee: Rafael Ramírez Domínguez
Attendance: 30000
December 5, 2010 8:00 PM GMT
Estadio Municipal de Anoeta — Donostia-San Sebastián
Referee: Rafael Ramírez Domínguez
Attendance: 30000
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| Real Sociedad | 2.40 | 1.01 | 0.00 | 2.50 | 1.01 |
| Draw | 3.30 | 17.00 | 0.00 | 3.30 | 26.00 |
| Bilbao | 2.88 | 71.00 | 0.00 | 2.75 | 46.00 |
La Liga Preview: Real Sociedad - Athletic Bilbao
It’s an all Basque affair as la Real meet los Leones...
By Robin Bairner
Practical And Effective
Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao may be local rivals, but they don’t boast a ferocious hatred of each other and instead have something akin to a mutual respect for their Basque brothers. That’s not to say Sunday night’s clash will be a tame affair, because both will be looking for the three points to take them to the borders of the chase for Europe.
La Real’s primary ambition this season is simply to earn another campaign in the top flight. They may be one of the few sides to have been crowned Spanish champions in the past, but those glory days are in the past and the Anoeta club have to be pragmatic about just what they can achieve this year. Safety will be built at home, and with four wins from their six matches in front of their own supporters a solid foundation has been laid.
Lows are not unheard of. There was definite disappointment after their last home encounter, from which Atletico Madrid stole a dramatic 4-2 victory. But Sociedad showed some character to bounce back swiftly and earn a 3-1 success over strugglers Sporting de Gijon.
“Maybe this Sunday was not the best game aesthetically, but it was the most practical and most effective,” coach Martin Lasarte mused after the fixture.
These qualities will be invaluable if la Real are to establish themselves as a top flight side. With a host of derby virgins in their squad ahead of the weekend - Mikel Aranburu and Mikel Labake are the only players to have enjoyed victory in this encounter previously – there should certainly be no shortage of desire, even if a lack of experience is problematic.
Seeking Points
Athletic Bilbao have certainly not built their solid Primera Division reputation on pretty football. Instead, Joaquin Caparros has set-up his side in a rather brash fashion, favouring a direct style that is designed to upset their opponents. But there are technical qualities in this side, most notably in the form of Fernando Llorente, whose continued presence with los Leones is rather remarkable.
It was Carlos Gurpegui who grabbed the headlines last weekend, scoring the only goal of the fixture against Osasuna to give los Leones all three points and at the same time maintain their impressive record of scoring in every league fixture to date this term.
“Winning always makes you feel good, no matter what. That’s especially so against a rival against whom we were evenly matched,” Javi Martinez explained to Marca.
“We are excited and already thinking about the derby on Sunday. It's a game that we have been waiting on for a long time. But if we can win, that is real motivation. I don’t think anyone will want to skimp because we are all aware of what is at stake.”
Traditionally backed by a vocal and partisan home support, Athletic often struggle on the road. Caparros will certainly hope that the short journey to San Sebastian will allow his players to feel a little more comfortable and perhaps pick up maximum points.
TEAM NEWS
Real Sociedad
Raul Tamudo, Antoine Griezmann and Paco Sutil are all injury doubts ahead of the derby. Tamudo and Griezmann are expected to feature, however.
Athletic Bilbao
Igor Gabilondo and Koikili are both doubtful for the weekend’s clash due to adductor problems. Both have been training, but neither has reached the pace of the main group. Ustaritz and Jon Aurtenetxe are definitely sidelined.
Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao may be local rivals, but they don’t boast a ferocious hatred of each other and instead have something akin to a mutual respect for their Basque brothers. That’s not to say Sunday night’s clash will be a tame affair, because both will be looking for the three points to take them to the borders of the chase for Europe.
La Real’s primary ambition this season is simply to earn another campaign in the top flight. They may be one of the few sides to have been crowned Spanish champions in the past, but those glory days are in the past and the Anoeta club have to be pragmatic about just what they can achieve this year. Safety will be built at home, and with four wins from their six matches in front of their own supporters a solid foundation has been laid.
Lows are not unheard of. There was definite disappointment after their last home encounter, from which Atletico Madrid stole a dramatic 4-2 victory. But Sociedad showed some character to bounce back swiftly and earn a 3-1 success over strugglers Sporting de Gijon.
“Maybe this Sunday was not the best game aesthetically, but it was the most practical and most effective,” coach Martin Lasarte mused after the fixture.
These qualities will be invaluable if la Real are to establish themselves as a top flight side. With a host of derby virgins in their squad ahead of the weekend - Mikel Aranburu and Mikel Labake are the only players to have enjoyed victory in this encounter previously – there should certainly be no shortage of desire, even if a lack of experience is problematic.
Seeking Points
Athletic Bilbao have certainly not built their solid Primera Division reputation on pretty football. Instead, Joaquin Caparros has set-up his side in a rather brash fashion, favouring a direct style that is designed to upset their opponents. But there are technical qualities in this side, most notably in the form of Fernando Llorente, whose continued presence with los Leones is rather remarkable.
It was Carlos Gurpegui who grabbed the headlines last weekend, scoring the only goal of the fixture against Osasuna to give los Leones all three points and at the same time maintain their impressive record of scoring in every league fixture to date this term.
“Winning always makes you feel good, no matter what. That’s especially so against a rival against whom we were evenly matched,” Javi Martinez explained to Marca.
“We are excited and already thinking about the derby on Sunday. It's a game that we have been waiting on for a long time. But if we can win, that is real motivation. I don’t think anyone will want to skimp because we are all aware of what is at stake.”
Traditionally backed by a vocal and partisan home support, Athletic often struggle on the road. Caparros will certainly hope that the short journey to San Sebastian will allow his players to feel a little more comfortable and perhaps pick up maximum points.
TEAM NEWS
Real Sociedad
Raul Tamudo, Antoine Griezmann and Paco Sutil are all injury doubts ahead of the derby. Tamudo and Griezmann are expected to feature, however.
Athletic Bilbao
Igor Gabilondo and Koikili are both doubtful for the weekend’s clash due to adductor problems. Both have been training, but neither has reached the pace of the main group. Ustaritz and Jon Aurtenetxe are definitely sidelined.
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Field Report
Reader's Predictions
Top 3 Predictions
-
Real Sociedad 1-1 Athletic Bilbao
- 19.53 %
-
Real Sociedad 1-2 Athletic Bilbao
- 16.41 %
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Real Sociedad 1-0 Athletic Bilbao
- 14.84 %
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Feb 22, 2013 | Athletic Bilbao 1 - Real Sociedad 3 |
|
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Sep 29, 2012 | Real Sociedad 2 - Athletic Bilbao 0 |
|
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Mar 4, 2012 | Athletic Bilbao 2 - Real Sociedad 0 |
|
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Oct 2, 2011 | Real Sociedad 1 - Athletic Bilbao 2 |
|
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Apr 23, 2011 | Athletic Bilbao 2 - Real Sociedad 1 |
|
Real Sociedad
   |
||
| Jun 1, 2013 | Deportivo 0 - Real Sociedad 1 | LIGA |
| May 26, 2013 | Real Sociedad 3 - Real Madrid CF 3 | LIGA |
| May 18, 2013 | Sevilla 1 - Real Sociedad 2 | LIGA |
| May 13, 2013 | Real Sociedad 2 - Granada 2 | LIGA |
| May 6, 2013 | Getafe 2 - Real Sociedad 1 | LIGA |
Athletic Bilbao
 |
||
| Jun 1, 2013 | Rayo Vallecano 2 - Athletic Bilbao 2 | LIGA |
| May 26, 2013 | Athletic Bilbao 0 - Levante 1 | LIGA |
| May 19, 2013 | Zaragoza 1 - Athletic Bilbao 2 | LIGA |
| May 11, 2013 | Athletic Bilbao 2 - Mallorca 1 | LIGA |
| May 3, 2013 | Celta 1 - Athletic Bilbao 1 | LIGA |
| Returns: | Real Sociedad £25.00 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 | |
| Returns: | Draw £260.00 |
|
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! | |
| Returns: | Bilbao £710.00 |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
| 1 | Claudio Bravo | Goalkeeper |
| 2 | Carlos Martínez Díez | Defender |
| 15 | Ion Gorostola | Defender |
| 3 | Mikel González Martínez | Defender |
| 24 | Alberto De la Bella | Defender |
| 11 | Mikel Aranburu Eizagirre | Midfielder |
| 19 | Diego Rivas Gutiérrez | Midfielder |
| 10 | Xabi Prieto | Midfielder |
| 17 | Zurutuza | Midfielder |
| 7 | Antoine Griezmann | Striker |
| 9 | Joseba Llorente Etxarri | Striker |
| 13 | Zubikarai | Goalkeeper |
| 4 | Gorka Gorka Elustondo Urkiola | Midfielder |
| 26 | Jeffrey Sarpong | Midfielder |
| 21 | Diego Ifrán | Striker |
| 4 | Mikel Labaka | Defender |
| 9 | Imanol Agirretxe | Striker |
| 5 | Markel Bergara | Midfielder |
| 1 | Iraizoz | Goalkeeper |
| 15 | Andoni Iraola | Defender |
| 5 | Amorebieta | Defender |
| 6 | Mikel San José Domínguez | Defender |
| 3 | Jon Aurtenetxe Borde | Defender |
| 18 | Carlos Gurpegui | Midfielder |
| 20 | Javi Martínez | Midfielder |
| 14 | Susaeta | Midfielder |
| 19 | Muniain | Striker |
| 11 | Igor Gabilondo | Midfielder |
| 19 | Fernando Llorente | Striker |
| 13 | Raúl Fernández Mateos | Goalkeeper |
| 25 | Koikili | Defender |
| - | David López | Midfielder |
| 28 | Vélez | Striker |
| 2 | Toquero | Striker |
| 6 | Orbaiz | Midfielder |
| 8 | Iturraspe | Midfielder |
| Xabi Prieto | |
| Position: | Midfielder |
| Squad Number: | 10 |
| Games | Goals | YC | RC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
Xabi Prieto’s form was magnificent last weekend and the 29-year-old was a vital component in Real Sociedad picking up maximum points against Sporting de Gijon. A former Spain Under-21 international, he blessed with excellent speed on the ball and also possesses a sweet shot. He showed both of these attributes last weekend as he scorer and created another.
| Igor Gabilondo | |
| Position: | Midfielder |
| Squad Number: | 11 |
| Games | Goals | YC | RC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Former Real Sociedad player Igor Gabilondo will be aiming to produce his best form against his former side. He has tended to play on the left side of midfield, often as a substitute, but he’s been pretty productive on the whole, scoring a very respectable four times. If he’s given the nod from the outset, he will be one of the chief players to support Fernando Llorente.
1 
2 
15 
3 
24 
11 
19 
10 
17 
7 
9 
1 
15 
5 
6 
3 
18 
20 
14 
19 
11 
19 With Athletic Bilbao playing that means goals are almost certain. Los Leones have not been shut out yet in Primera Division play, and it’s unlikely their near neighbours will be the first to stifle them. Meanwhile, la Real have been going well at Anoeta, and despite losing to Atletico Madrid in their last outing at the venue, will be quietly confident of earning three points.
Results
Times In BST
Live
Final
scheduled
Suspended
Cancelled
Postponed
Match News
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lionel Messi Striker Barcelona |
46 | 4 |
|
Cristiano Ronaldo Striker Real Madrid |
34 | 6 |
|
Radamel Falcao Striker Monaco |
28 | 8 |
|
Negredo Striker Sevilla |
25 | 4 |
|
Roberto Soldado Striker Valencia |
24 | 5 |
