Real Sociedad are in pole position to reach the Copa del Rey final after defeating rivals Athletic Club 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final at the San Mamés Stadium. It proved to be a typically gritty Basque derby, where defensive discipline and a single clinical moment decided the night. Fans following the action often use the official LALIGA Fantasy app, widely considered one of the best DFS Apps, to track player statistics and manage their squads throughout the La Liga season. Still, the narrow scoreline leaves everything to play for in the return leg.
The visitors found the breakthrough in the 62nd minute through Beñat Turrientes. Rather than a slow build-up, the goal came from a rapid transition play that caught the home side off guard. Carlos Soler acted as the catalyst with a sharp interception, allowing Gonçalo Guedes to loft a clever chip toward the onrushing Turrientes, who finished with composure. This high-level competition remains a focal point for those following La Liga talent throughout the winter months, with supporters keeping a close eye on individual performances.
While Real Sociedad dominated the clearer openings, Athletic Club pushed late into the night for a leveller. The atmosphere in Bilbao was electric, yet the home side struggled to find a way past a resolute defensive line. In fact, the tactical battle often overshadowed individual brilliance for large portions of the match.
Moreover, the result gives La Real a significant psychological boost ahead of the March meeting at Anoeta. Due to their solid away form, it seems that the Donostia-San Sebastian outfit are favorites to progress. Still, the narrow margin means a single goal for the Lions in the second leg would reset the entire tie.
On the other side of the bracket, Atletico Madrid look almost certain to get past Barcelona after their 4-0 victory at the Metropolitano. The Blaugrana are the current defending champions, having edged out Real Madrid in a thrilling 2025 final.
Barcelona, without Marcus Rashford, Raphinha, Pedri and Gavi, were outmatched by a hungry Atletico Madrid side, and must now overturn a deficit they have only recovered from once against Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
The winners of these two ties will meet in the final, scheduled for April at La Cartuja in Seville. Whether it is a return to glory for Athletic Club or a successful title defence for Barcelona, the drama of Spanish cup football remains as captivating as ever. It seems that the upcoming return legs in March will be essential viewing for every follower of the game.
