Did Real Sociedad Secure a Victory Against Athletic in Copa del Rey Semi-Final First Leg?
Synopsis
In a thrilling Copa del Rey semifinal first leg, Real Sociedad edged past Athletic Club 1-0 thanks to a pivotal goal from Benat Turrientes. This narrow victory gives Sociedad a crucial advantage as they prepare for the return leg. With high stakes and fierce local rivalry, the Basque derby delivered excitement and intensity.
Key Takeaways
Benat Turrientes scored the match's only goal.
Real Sociedad controlled most of the game.
Athletic Club was missing key players.
Controversial VAR decision impacted the game's momentum.
The return leg will be crucial for both teams.
Madrid, Feb 12 (NationPress) Benat Turrientes netted the decisive goal as Real Sociedad triumphed over Athletic Club with a score of 1-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal, gaining a narrow yet crucial edge in the Basque derby.
Turrientes found the back of the net midway through the second half, sending the ball into the roof of the net after Goncalo Guedes was fouled by Athletic goalkeeper Alex Padilla.
This goal proved to be pivotal, though Sociedad may feel it was a modest return after dominating much of the game against an Athletic side missing several key players, including Oihan Sancet and Dani Vivian, as reported by Xinhua.
As anticipated in a semifinal clash between local adversaries, the first half was highly competitive, with few clear opportunities initially. Sociedad gradually seized control, with Guedes creating problems on the left flank and establishing a strong connection with Mikel Oyarzabal.
The duo combined to set up Pablo Marin in the 24th minute, but Padilla denied the midfielder when he was one-on-one. Padilla later saved with his knee to block Jon Martin's header from a Carlos Soler free kick.
At the other end, Gorka Guruzeta headed directly at Alex Remiro, while Robert Navarro also failed to challenge the Sociedad goalkeeper.
A significant controversy arose late in the first half when Martin's header seemed to strike Aymeric Laporte's arm following a corner. After an extensive VAR review, the referee ruled that Laporte had been fouled in the buildup.
Sociedad nearly took the lead at the beginning of the second half when Marin struck the post after Padilla had thwarted Oyarzabal on a swift counterattack.
Guedes had another penalty shout dismissed after the referee deemed he had dived. Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde made four substitutions in a bid to alter the game's momentum, but his team struggled to respond.
Athletic rarely posed a threat for an equalizer and will aim to recover its injured players ahead of the return leg.
In the other semifinal, Atletico Madrid will host FC Barcelona at the Metropolitano Stadium on Thursday. The return legs of both matchups are set to take place in the first week of March.
Point of View
This match highlights the intense rivalry between Real Sociedad and Athletic Club. The narrow victory not only showcases the skill of Sociedad but also raises concerns for Athletic, who must recover their injured players before the decisive return leg. The matchup underscores the passion and competitiveness of Spanish football.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the only goal in the match?
Benat Turrientes scored the decisive goal for Real Sociedad.
What was the score of the match?
Real Sociedad won the match 1-0 against Athletic Club.
When is the return leg scheduled?
The return leg will take place in the first week of March.
