Real Sociedad – Athletic: Semifinal second leg set at Reale Arena as lineups land and Anoeta swells
real sociedad – athletic is on the clock Wednesday, March 4 at the Reale Arena, with a place in the Copa del Rey final hanging in the balance. Real Sociedad enter the second leg holding a 1-0 advantage from the first meeting in San Mamés, while Athletic arrive chasing a turnaround for a shot at the final against Atlético Madrid. Kickoff is listed as 3: 00 p. m. ET, and the match is being carried live on Flow.
Match details, first-leg edge, and what’s at stake
The semifinal returns to San Sebastián with Real Sociedad protecting the narrow lead earned away from home, a 1-0 win sealed by a goal from Beñat Turrientes in the first leg. Athletic, meanwhile, come into the night needing a response to flip the tie and secure their place in the Copa del Rey final, where Atlético Madrid await.
In domestic form heading into this stage, Real Sociedad reached the semifinal second leg after a 1-0 LaLiga win over Mallorca, a result that leaves them eighth with 35 points. Athletic drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano in their most recent Spanish league match, a result that places them ninth in the standings.
Real Sociedad – Athletic lineups: Changes for the hosts, key absence for the visitors
Both teams’ selections are now on the board for the second leg, with Real Sociedad listing Marrero, Aramburu, Gorrotxategi, Zubeldia, Barrenetxea, Turrientes, Oyarzabal, Guedes, Sergio Gómez, Soler, and Jon Martín. On the other side, Athletic list Padilla, Paredes, Laporte, Vivian, Yuri, Rego, Jauregizar, Sancet, Williams, Berenguer, and Guruzeta.
Athletic are without Nico Williams, who is listed as out, but have Ruiz de Galarreta, Laporte, and Yuri included in the squad. Real Sociedad, for their part, regain Orri Óskarsson, who was absent for the Mallorca match.
As the teams prepare to decide the tie, real sociedad – athletic also carries the added pressure of a one-goal margin—small enough that a single moment can reset everything.
Immediate reactions on the ground: Crowd surge and a charged arrival
The atmosphere around the stadium has been intense well before kickoff. Thousands of Real Sociedad supporters gathered near the field in Amara to welcome Pellegrino Matarazzo and his players, with chants and heavy pyrotechnics reported as the team arrived. The coach and players walked the final meters to the entrance, acknowledging the crowd’s support as they headed inside.
The pre-match reception has been described as one of the best in years, with sustained chanting ringing out as the squad moved into the stadium ahead of the second leg.
Quick context
This is the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, with Real Sociedad carrying a 1-0 lead from the first match in San Mamés. The winner advances to the final to face Atlético Madrid.
What’s next
All eyes now turn to the final whistle at the Reale Arena, where the one-goal advantage will be tested immediately from the opening phases. If Real Sociedad protect their edge, they book the final; if Athletic overturn it, they seize the spot. Either way, the next update in real sociedad – athletic will be written by the scoreline at 3: 00 p. m. ET and the final decision that follows.
