Real Sociedad to Face Athletic in Euskal Herria Txapela FriendlyReal Sociedad will take on Athletic Club in a summer friendly match with the Euskal Herria Txapela title on the line. The match is organized by Euskal Herria Kirola and will serve as the first competitive preseason friendly for new manager Pellegrino Matarazzo.
The fixture comes after Real Sociedad finished as the best-performing Basque team in La Liga, accumulating 11 points from six derbies against fellow Basque sides Athletic, Osasuna, and Alavés. This strong regional record has earned them the right to compete for the prestigious Basque Country championship trophy.
The Euskal Herria Txapela is a traditional preseason tournament that brings together the top Basque football clubs. For Matarazzo, who recently took charge at the Anoeta, this match represents an early opportunity to test his squad against local rivals and build momentum ahead of the new campaign.
Athletic Club will be looking to claim bragging rights in this Basque derby, while Real Sociedad will aim to continue their strong form against regional opponents from last season.