Euskal Herria Txapela final at Anoeta as Real meet Athletic | OneFootball

Real Sociedad face Athletic at Anoeta tomorrow at 19.00 in the final of the non-official Euskal Herria Txapela. Now in its 10th edition, the fixture usually carries more bite than a friendly.

History underlines that edge. Diario Vasco notes that the first final in 2017 was abandoned after a brawl between Athletic and Alavés, leaving the inaugural edition without a champion.

The finalists are the two Basque clubs who earned the most derby points in La Liga last season, independent of the overall table. Real collected 11 and Athletic 8. Real’s haul came by beating Osasuna twice, taking four points from Athletic and drawing with Alavés at Anoeta.

Osasuna are the most decorated side with three titles and two runners-up finishes. Real have reached a record seven finals including this one, but have lifted the trophy only once, in 2020, when it was staged in San Sebastián during the pandemic.

The game has typically been a summer date, serving as pre-season preparation. Last year it was played in early September during the first international window, which gave it added weight.

This edition offers Matarazzo and Terzic a chance to test options before competition resumes in two weeks. Real will be without nine internationals and Athletic have five on duty, yet both squads should deliver a compelling contest.

Source: Diario Vasco

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