Local rivalry and tension for Basque rivals in Cup semifinal

MADRID, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Athletic Bilbao faces Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Basque derby Copa del Rey semifinal at San Mames Stadium on Wednesday night.

A full house and a strong atmosphere are expected for the clash between the local rivals, who have already met twice in La Liga this season.

Real Sociedad won the first meeting 3-2 at Anoeta Stadium, while the sides drew 1-1 at San Mames a week and a half ago, with Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta's late strike canceling out Goncalo Guedes' impressive opener for the team from San Sebastian.

Real Sociedad has improved sharply since Pellegrino Matarazzo replaced Sergio Francisco as first-team coach, with his side making the most of its attacking options. Players such as Guedes, Carlos Soler, Ander Barrenetxea and Mikel Oyarzabal have all impressed.

Winger Takefusa Kubo misses Wednesday's game with a muscle injury, while Luka Sucic is also out after suffering an injury shortly after opening the scoring in his side's 3-1 home win over Elche on Saturday.

Brais Mendez is available after his controversial red card in the last derby, and Benat Turrientes is likely to come into the side for Sucic. Jon Aramburu is set to return at right back, with Unai Marrero expected to start in goal despite suffering a broken cheekbone in a recent training session.

Athletic Bilbao ended a worrying run of six league games without a win on Sunday as Ernesto Valverde's side beat Levante 4-2, thanks in part to two goals from Gorka Guruzeta, who has scored seven goals so far in 2026.

Much could depend on the form of Nico and Inaki Williams, neither of whom has been at his best this season. Nico has been dealing with a niggling pelvic injury, while Inaki has had two hamstring issues.

Inaki improved considerably at the weekend, providing two assists, and his pace could be vital. Oihan Sancet could also return after two weeks out with a hamstring issue.

Valverde will have to change his defense, with Aitor Paredes suspended and Yuri Berchiche picking up an injury on Sunday. Paredes' absence could open the door for youngster Iker Monreal, who made an impressive debut in last week's 2-1 win in Valencia.

The return leg is at Anoeta on March 4, and given the intensity of Basque derbies, that match could prove decisive. Enditem