Inaki Williams fires up Athletic Club fans ahead of Real Sociedad derby night

​San Mames is gearing up for one of the games of the season as Athletic Club host Real Sociedad in the first leg of a thrilling Copa del Rey semi-final.

The club has called on fans via social media to gather outside the stadium from 19:15 to give the team a passionate welcome before the 21:00 kick-off, promising a spectacular atmosphere around the ground.

Players are fully aware of what that reception can mean, and Iñaki Williams has stepped in to add even more fuel to the fire. The forward needed only a simple emoji reply to the club’s post on X to unleash a wave of responses from excited supporters, some calling him “Mi capitán” and urging him to deliver a big performance on the big stage.

The fans, still stung by the Champions League elimination against Sporting CP but encouraged by Galarreta’s late screamer in the recent league derby, are desperate to experience another magical night at home.

With supporters pledging to push the team “together” and dreaming of reaching a final in Seville, the union between stands and pitch has rarely felt stronger.