Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: February 1st, 2026 | San Mames | La Liga | 20:00 GMT

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between Athletic Club and Real Sociedad at the iconic Estadio de San Mamés. As these two La Liga contenders prepare to face off, the narrative of their recent meetings suggests a closely contested match.

Recent history between these sides indicates that Real Sociedad has had the upper hand, particularly in their last meeting, which ended in a 3-2 win for the visiting team. However, this does not tell the whole story, as Athletic Club has shown resilience in their encounters with a notable win at home in the not-so-distant past.

Tactically, both teams are expected to come into this fixture with cautious strategies given the outcomes of their recent head-to-heads. Athletic Club may look to leverage their home advantage and solidity at the back, while Real Sociedad is predicted to bring a more offensive flair, which has been their trademark in big games.

Given the side's recent form and historical data, it seems Real Sociedad has a slight edge going into this match. Yet, the home team's ability to keep games tight, especially in front of their fans, could make this a very competitive affair.

The advice for bettors seems to lean towards the possibility of either a draw or a Real Sociedad win. However, the story of Athletic Club's capacity to upset bigger teams at home cannot be overlooked.

Ultimately, this match promises to be an absorbing and tactical battle between two teams with a lot at stake in the La Liga standings. The Estadio de San Mamés will be electric as fans of both sides gather to witness what is anticipated to be a gripping contest with each side looking to outmanoeuvre the other in pursuit of valuable points.

Key Betting Tip: Athletic Bilbao to win @2.20 odds represents excellent value based on the tip provided by our team of in-house tipsters.

Athletic Bilbao Predicted XI: Lopez, Firpo, Bartra, Natan, Bellerin, Fornals, Altimira, Riquelme, Lo Celso, Garcia, Hernandez

Real Sociedad Predicted XI: Simon, Berchiche, Vivian, Paredes, Areso, Galarreta, Jauregizar, Williams, Sancet, Williams, Berenguer

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad Current League Standings

As it stands, the two Basque region sides have not performed too well this season. Real Sociedad sits 8th in the league on 29 points, five points off a European position.

Athletic Club have performed even worse. They sit 13th in the league on just 24 points—five points off their rivals.

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad Head-to-Head Timeline

The two Spanish sides have faced off against each other 172 times in their history. Athletic Bilbao have won 68 times, Real Sociedad have won 60 times, and they have drawn 44 times.

Recent Head-to-Head Results:

01/11/2025 – Real Sociedad 3–2 Athletic Club (LaLiga)

04/05/2025 – Real Sociedad 0–0 Athletic Club (LaLiga)

24/11/2024 – Athletic Club 1–0 Real Sociedad (LaLiga)

13/01/2024 – Athletic Club 2–1 Real Sociedad (LaLiga)

30/09/2023 – Real Sociedad 3–0 Athletic Club (LaLiga)

In the head-to-head past five, the two Basque clubs have had an equal record against each other. Both sides have managed two wins each, whilst drawing their remaining match. Real Sociedad have outscored Athletic Club, seven to five.

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad Matches Analysis

Athletic Bilbao Last 5 Matches:

25/01/2026 – Athletic Club 2–3 Sporting Club (Champions League)

24/01/2026 – Sevilla 2–1 Athletic Club (LaLiga)

21/01/2026 – Atalanta 2–3 Athletic Club (Champions League)

17/01/2026 – Mallorca 3–2 Athletic Club (LaLiga)

13/01/2026 – Cultural Leonesa 3–4 Athletic Club (Copa del Rey)

It is safe to say that Athletic Club have had a very poor past five matches. They have managed two wins, against Atlanta in the Champions League and third division side Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey, but have lost their remaining three.

Real Sociedad Last 5 Matches:

25/01/2026 – Real Sociedad 3–1 Celta Vigo (LaLiga)

18/01/2026 – Real Sociedad 2–1 Barcelona (LaLiga)

13/01/2026 – Real Sociedad 2–2 Osasuna (Copa del Rey)

09/01/2026 – Getafe 1–2 Real Sociedad (LaLiga)

04/01/2026 – Real Sociedad 1–1 Atlético Madrid (LaLiga)

Real Sociedad, on the other hand, have performed to a good standard. They have managed three wins in their past five, including a huge 2-1 win against Barcelona. The only times they have dropped points came against Osasuna and Atletico Madrid.

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad Predictions

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with 68% confidence in both teams to score. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad Betting Tips

Football Park’s best tip: Athletic Bilbao to win @2.20 our team of in-house betting tipsters have predicted both teams to score in this fixture.

Key Players to Watch: Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad

Oihan Sancet (Athletic Bilbao) A fantastic attacking midfielder, Oihan Sancet was one of the top scoring midfielders last season with 17 goals. He has played for Bilbao for six years and is one of their best players.

Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad) – The top scorer, top assister, and highest rated player on FotMob, there is no way you can look past Mikel Oyarzabal for Real Sociedad’s best player this season.

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad Match Facts

Referee: Information not available

Stadium: Building for the San Mames stadium started in 2010 before being completed in 2013. It is an exceptionally beautiful stadium that cost under £200 million, and it holds a capacity of 53,331.