Anticipation Builds for the Athletic vs. Real Derby

A match between Athletic and Real is always significant, and the upcoming clash at San Mamés is no exception. “Sunday is our Champions League,” declared Valverde shortly after the team’s defeat against Sporting Lisbon, marking the end of their European journey for the season. This derby carries even more weight, as Athletic seeks to break a five-match winless streak which includes two consecutive losses, putting them perilously close to the relegation zone. On the other hand, Real has managed to navigate through its rough patches this season and, under Matarazo, is on a positive trajectory, aiming for a fourth consecutive league victory—a feat not achieved since the 2022-2023 season.

Although battered and bruised, Athletic retains hope. The team must step up during this crucial month of the season. Fresh from their exit from Europe, they are compelled to deliver encouraging results in the league and focus on the Copa, where they are just three matches away from a potential title, the Supercopa, and a return to European competition. The strong rapport between the players and Valverde needs to translate onto the pitch in this emotionally charged encounter. Answers to the team’s performance issues from the first half of the season are expected to come on Tuesday from the club president and the director of football.

Real seeks to capitalize on its best form of the season, having yet to lose in 2026, hoping to distance itself from the relegation zone and aspire towards European competition. Matarazo will be without Caleta-Car, who was sent off in the previous match, but his replacement, Zubeldia, mitigates this absence as a viable option. Barrenetxea, who has missed training for the past two days, may join Kubo on the injury list, prompting the New Jersey coach to consider pushing Sergio Gómez forward or altering the formation to include two wing-backs, providing an opportunity for Odriozola to start, with newcomer Wesley poised to make his debut from the bench.

The matchup between Guruzeta and Oyarzabal will be crucial in determining the outcome of this second derby of the season. Guruzeta, who scored during Athletic’s previous loss at Anoeta, arrives with confidence after a goal-filled January, having been crowned the top scorer for Athletic in the Champions League last Wednesday. Meanwhile, Oyarzabal stands out with his exceptional contributions to Real, proving pivotal in their recent successes. Both players are in fine form, and their teammates are counting on them.