Basque derby – the friendly rivalry in world football?

The derby is one of the most important dates in the calendar for Aitor Salinas Armendariz, another Athletic Club fan.

“Having so many fans in the stands who are often friends and relatives is unusual in the rest of La Liga,” he explained.

“It is completely normal to see visiting fans in the home stands. They may have obtained the ticket from a relative of a home team fan.”

Both groups of supporters consider themselves part of the same Basque community. This shared identity shapes the atmosphere surrounding the derby.

“There is a strong sense of belonging,” explains Salinas-Armendarez. “We feel part of the same community, with common claims and struggles that transcend what divides us.”

This loneliness is evident everywhere on match day. Fans share the same bars, enjoy pre-match preparations, and watch the game together.

“It’s a colorful and festive derby,” explains Edu, a Real Sociedad fan.

“Even though Athletic has more titles, it always builds on the past, we treat each other as equals,” he says. “In the same group of friends, there are often Real Madrid and Athletic fans. It’s a sibling rivalry.

“We tease each other, joke around a lot, and end up hugging each other.”

Athletic Club fan Javier says the rivalry only lasts as long as the match is the same.

“From the opening whistle to the final whistle. After that there is no confrontation, but a feeling of brotherhood.”