Real Sociedad – Athletic Bilbao 09/02/2020

Sunday’s clash in La Liga features two teams who rewrote the history of Spanish football during the week Copa Del Rei matches. Both teams know each other well enough because of the proximity to their cities of origin. They are Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao – symbols of football in the Basque country.

The symbolic hosts in this match are experiencing much better times than their opponents in La Liga. Sociedad is vying for a spot that guarantees participation in the Champions League this fall. Following the win against Real Madrid on Thursday, such an option is very likely. Sociedad impressed with the game in the Spanish capital and could score well over 4 goals against its eminent rival.

Their guests on Sunday created another sensation in the Copa Del Rei tournament after they managed to beat Barcelona in the extra time. This year is remarkable because both Basque teams eliminated the two biggest clubs in Spanish football. As we know, Real Madrid and Barca take at least a trophy from each season in La Liga and Copa Del Rei. The season could prove to be a turning point for Real and Athletic, with both teams eligible to compete in the European Cups this fall. And such an opportunity has not long been given to the popular Basque teams.

At first glance, Sociedad’s team has an advantage in today’s match and is likely to bet on attacking football right from the start. Athletic cannot boast of being able to push a total press or dominate most of their duels. But Bilbao has a hard time allowing goals as we saw from their clashes with Barcelona and other leading Spanish teams.

The match could finish with a minimal victory for Sociedad’s team. My prediction of the final outcome is 1:0 in favor of Real. You can also bet on a tie in the match, with a possible score of 1:1. The odds of scoring less than 2.5 goals in the duel seem logical.