Real Sociedad Edge Past Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in Copa del Rey Semi-Final

Turrientes scores as Sociedad takes narrow lead into second leg

Real Sociedad beats Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, Beñat Turrientes scores winner.

Sociedad showed their attacking intent early on, refusing to shy away from opportunities. Pablo Marín had a great chance,

 

Real Sociedad secured a narrow 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, taking a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg. The win ends a poor run of 5 away games without a win (1 draw, 4 losses) against their Basque rivals.

The match marked Athletic's 6th semi-final appearance in the last 7 seasons, with the teams having clashed just 10 days prior in a 1-1 LaLiga draw. Mikel Oyarzabal's first-half goal was the difference, setting Sociedad up nicely for the second leg.

A tense two-legged tie was expected, and Athletic Bilbao vs Girona started off cautiously in front of a packed San Mamés crowd. Ernesto Valverde's side had the first real chance, with Iñigo Lekue's clever move down the right setting up Gorka Guruzeta, whose powerful header was comfortably caught by Álex Remiro.

Sociedad showed their attacking intent early on, refusing to shy away from opportunities. Pablo Marín had a great chance, beating defenders and facing just Álex Padilla, but his shot was straight at the Athletic goalkeeper.

The teams clashed just 10 days prior, ending 1-1 in LaLiga. Sociedad's Mikel Oyarzabal scored the only goal, giving them a narrow lead heading into the second leg.

There was still time for a moment of derby day controversy towards the end of the half too, as a VAR review decided against awarding La Real a penalty, despite Duje Ćaleta-Car’s header appearing to strike Aymeric Laporte’s arm inside the box.

Undeterred, Sociedad came within inches of breaking the deadlock within a minute after the restart, when Padilla made a fine save to deny Mikel Oyarzabal, before Marín agonisingly hit the post with his follow-up from point-blank range.

Gonçalo Guedes' brilliant run and pass set up Beñat Turrientes for the decisive goal in the 62nd minute. Turrientes latched onto the pass, beat Padilla, and fired home into an empty net, giving Sociedad the lead.

🔚 FULL-TIME!! First step taken. In three weeks, the return leg at Anoeta. 𝗔𝗨𝗣𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗟!!! 💙💙💙 pic.twitter.com/DtJvsddgb5

— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) February 11, 2026

Athletic Bilbao struggled to create chances, epitomising their struggles when Nico Williams headed wide from Iñigo Lekue's cross. The home side's lack of creativity was evident, and they now have only won one of their last six home games (2 draws, 3 losses).

The match ended quietly, with Sociedad holding a narrow 1-0 lead heading into the second leg. 

Athletic Bilbao has time to reflect on the result, with the second leg scheduled for March 4th. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad can celebrate extending their unbeaten run to 11 games (8 wins, 3 draws) and taking a crucial lead in the Copa del Rey semi-final.