Basque Derby Showdown: Real Sociedad Battles Athletic Club for Copa del Rey Final Spot - Complete Viewing Guide
Wednesday brings the return leg of the Copa del Rey's Basque derby semifinal as Real Sociedad host their regional rivals Athletic Club at the Reale Arena.
The first encounter saw Real Sociedad control proceedings during their visit to Bilbao, with Beñat Turrientes's second-half goal securing a 1–0 win for the away team. However, that narrow lead faces serious pressure in the midweek clash, particularly given Athletic Club's improved recent performances.
"The tie remains open," Athletic boss Ernesto Valverde has stated before the match, with the 2023–24 Copa del Rey winners eager to arrange an exciting final against Atlético Madrid in April—the Madrid club having eliminated defending champions Barcelona 4–3 overall in the other semifinal.
However, Real Sociedad possess the home field advantage for Wednesday's showdown, supported by passionate fans helping their quest to maintain their advantage. Their most recent title came in 2019–20—just their second-ever success versus Athletic's 24—and they defeated these same Basque opponents in that final.
Here's your guide to watching the San Sebastián action on television.
What Time Does Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Club Kick Off?
What Time Does Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Club Kick Off?
How to Watch Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Club on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Club on TV, Live Stream
Viewers in the United States can choose between fuboTV and ESPN for the return leg, with coverage available through the application and for subscribers with ESPN Select access.
The game airs on free television in the United Kingdom, with ITV4 and ITVX providing coverage of the Spanish action.
Sky Sports and izzi serve Mexican audiences, while no broadcaster is currently confirmed for showing the match in Canada.
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | fuboTV, ESPN Select, ESPN App |
United Kingdom | ITV 4, ITVX |
Canada | — |
Mexico | Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+, izzi |
What Next for Real Sociedad, Athletic Club?
What Next for Real Sociedad, Athletic Club?
Real Sociedad resume La Liga duties this weekend, confronting the team they would meet in the Copa del Rey final if they advance. Saturday's encounter with Atlético comes as they pursue European qualification positions.
Athletic Club meet the team Atlético recently eliminated from the tournament: Barcelona. A challenging fixture against La Liga's table-toppers awaits Valverde's squad, who currently share identical points with Real Sociedad.