Bitter rivals Athletic Club and Real Sociedad currently occupy fifth and sixth respectively in the La Liga table at present, and they will face off in 11 days’ time at San Mames for the second instalment of El Derbi Vasco this season.
La Real won the reverse fixture 3-0 back in September, with goals from Robin Le Normand, Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal finding the back of the net at Reale Arena. However, Athletic have been the better team since that match, and they will be out for revenge on their home turf.
Their chances of victory appear to have got easier, as La Real will be without first-choice goalkeeper Alex Remiro for the match. The 28-year-old was sent off against Alaves on Tuesday, meaning that he will be suspended.
A straight red for Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro! 🟥
He misjudged a bouncing ball outside his box and used his hand in a costly error 😬 pic.twitter.com/ir7TIjrtfA
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) January 2, 2024
Unai Marrero is likely to be between the sticks, and he will have a tough task in keeping out Nico Williams, Gorka Guruzeta and co. Still, Real Sociedad have more than enough quality to cause Athletic Club plenty of problems, even despite Remiro’s absence.
