Valverde Stays Cautious as Real Sociedad and Athletic Gear Up for Basque Derby
It’s derby time in the Basque Country, and the atmosphere is electric ahead of the first clash of the season between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao at the Reale Arena. No matter what the league table says, this fixture is always special — emotional, unpredictable, and fiercely competitive.
Athletic Club’s head coach, Ernesto Valverde, knows this better than anyone. As his side sits comfortably in ninth place, he’s warning his players not to take anything for granted. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, finds itself dangerously close to the relegation zone, but in a derby, those statistics hardly matter. It’s pride, history, and local rivalry that drive this encounter, not points alone.
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Valverde has made it clear he doesn’t want any slip-ups. This match could mark a turning point for both teams — Athletic looking to climb higher and Real Sociedad desperate to pull away from the bottom. The coach emphasized focus, discipline, and emotional control, knowing that the derby’s fiery atmosphere can often dictate the rhythm more than tactics do.
All eyes will also be on Aitor Paredes, who’s been one of Athletic’s most consistent performers this season. Despite the team’s overall struggles in front of goal, Paredes has been a solid presence, even managing to find the net once this campaign. His odds of scoring again against Real Sociedad have been set at +1150 — a number that reflects both the challenge and the opportunity in front of him.
Athletic comes into this clash after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Getafe last weekend, a result that stung given their dominance in shots and possession. They’ve scored only nine goals this season — ranking 17th in LaLiga for offensive output — so improving their finishing will be crucial. Real Sociedad, though slightly better with ten goals, have conceded more frequently and find themselves struggling to close out matches.
The stage is set at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián. Fans from both sides are expected to pack the stands, bringing the kind of energy only this historic rivalry can produce. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 PM ET, and the match will be streamed live on ESPN+, allowing fans worldwide to witness one of Spanish football’s most intense battles.
For Valverde, the mission is simple: stay calm, stay sharp, and respect the derby’s unpredictable spirit. As the saying goes in Basque football — form fades, but the derby is forever.
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