Bilbao too open in Basque derby
Bilbao and Sociedad go into the Basque derby having experienced mixed fortunes in round 7 of La Liga.
Both teams are really waiting to get their season properly underway and this match up could be the one that propels them into a rich vein of form. Despite both teams sitting in the second half of the table at 13th and 15th respectively with only a point between them, they’ve shown promising displays going forward up till now.
Athletic Bilbao
Bilbao managed a draw at the Nou Camp. It was only with the introduction of Messi that Barça pulled one back through Munir on the 83rd minute. Bilbao battled through to grab a point.
Their form at home has been mixed but they were undefeated until Villareal came to town. They let the seasiders have the majority of play and largely kept them at bay, but crumbled in the last 25 minutes when they conceded three goals.
That’s worrying, especially at home. In fact failed to keep a clean sheet at home this season, conceding seven in four.
Athletic Bilbao form in La Liga:
- Leganes (h) 2-1 ✅
- Huesca (h) 2-2 ➖
- Rayo Vallecano (a) Postponed
- Real Madrid (h) 1-1 ➖
- Real Betis (a) 2–2 ➖
- Villarreal (h) 0-3 ❌
- Barcelona (a) 1–1 ➖
Real Sociedad
Willian Jose missed a penalty last week against Valencia leading to a 0-1 loss at home. But Real Sociedad created some decent chances in the process. They’ve successful bombed forward at home, scoring 5 in 3 home matches, but their best results have been away from home.
An opening day win away at Villareal and a one goal affair at Huesca have saved their season so far and they’ll be looking to get back on track with a win against bitter rivals Bilbao.
Top goal scorer Brazilian Willan is available for the match and will be looking to improve on his three goals already scored this season. Not to mention to make good for that missed penalty last week.
Real Sociedad form:
- Villarreal (a) 1-2 ✅
- Leganes (h) 2-2 ➖
- Eibar (a) 2-1 ❌
- Barcelona (h) 1-2 ❌
- Huesca (a) 0-1 ✅
- Rayo Vallecano (h) 2-2 ➖
- Valencia (h) 0-1 ❌
Match Tips
There have been positive displays from both Basque sides to show what they’re capable of. Bilbao have kept Real Madrid and Barcelona at bay, while Sociedad have performed well away from home.
Both teams have had inconsistent seasons but Bilbao are letting the goals fly past them leading to unnecessary draws, and Sociedad haven’t failed to score away from home yer. Derbys are always unpredictable and this lot can show up for a match and have it go any of three ways.
