La Liga returns for 2026 with a high-stakes encounter this Sunday, January 4, as a struggling Real Sociedad welcomes a title-chasing Atletico Madrid to San Sebastián.
The main headline tonight isn't just the clash of styles, but the debut of Pellegrino Matarazzo as the new head coach of Real Sociedad. Following the dismissal of Sergio Francisco, the American-Italian manager takes charge of a team languishing in 16th place, hoping to spark an immediate reaction against Diego Simeone's clinical "Red and Whites."
Match Details: Kick-off & Official Info
Competition: La Liga EA Sports (Matchday 18)
Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT / 21:00 Local / 15:00 ET
Venue: Reale Arena (Anoeta), San Sebastián
Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera
Broadcast: Premier Sports (UK), ESPN Deportes/Plus (US), SuperSport (Africa)
Form Guide: Title Ambitions vs. Survival Instincts
Atletico Madrid: The Defensive Wall
Atletico Madrid enters the new year in 3rd place with 37 points, trailing only Barcelona and Real Madrid. They ended 2025 in spectacular fashion with four consecutive wins, including a 3–0 demolition of Girona. Diego Simeone has successfully integrated Julián Álvarez into his system, creating a versatile frontline that has already netted 33 goals this season. With the league's second-best defensive record (only 16 goals conceded), Atleti looks like a team ready to pounce on any slips by the top two.
Real Sociedad: The Matarazzo Reset
Real Sociedad is enduring one of its worst top-flight campaigns in recent memory. Sitting just two points above the relegation zone, "La Real" has won only four games all season. Their last outing—a 1–1 draw with bottom-side Levante—was the final straw for the previous management. Matarazzo, known for his attacking philosophies at Stuttgart and Hoffenheim, is expected to shift the team toward a more aggressive, high-pressing style to reignite the home crowd.
Team News & Key Players
Real Sociedad Team News
New Manager Debut: All eyes are on how Pellegrino Matarazzo sets up his first starting XI.
Injury Update: Yangel Herrera and Iñaki Rupérez are confirmed out.
Returns: In a massive boost, Orri Óskarsson is in the squad after four months out with a hamstring injury, and Ander Barrenetxea has returned to training, though he may start on the bench.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Remiro; Aramburu, Jon Martin, Caleta-Car, Muñoz; Soler, Marín; Kubo, Brais Méndez, Oyarzabal; Guedes.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Out: Clément Lenglet (Knee) and Ilias Kostis are unavailable.
Doubtful: Key midfielder Nico González and defender José María Giménez face late fitness tests.
Firepower: The trio of Griezmann, Sørloth, and Álvarez is fully fit and expected to lead the line.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Pubill, Hancko; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Baena; Sørloth, Álvarez.
Head-to-Head (H2H) History
Unbeaten Run: Atletico Madrid is unbeaten in their last 8 league meetings against Real Sociedad.
Recent Meeting: The last time these two met at the Reale Arena (May 2025), Atletico walked away with a dominant 4–0 victory, with Alexander Sørloth scoring all four goals against his former club.
Home Struggle: Real Sociedad has lost their last two home league matches and has only kept one clean sheet all season.
Tactical Analysis: The "New Coach Bounce" vs. Simeone’s Discipline
Matarazzo’s appointment suggests a shift toward a more vertical, attacking game. Real Sociedad has the individual quality in Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal to hurt anyone, but they have lacked a cohesive plan in the final third.
However, playing an open, attacking style against Atletico is a dangerous game. Simeone’s side excels at absorbing pressure and launching lethal counter-attacks. If Real Sociedad pushes too high, Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann have the vision to exploit the space behind the defense. The battle in the midfield "engine room" between Koke and the newly revitalized Carlos Soler will be where the game is won or lost.
Match Prediction
The "new manager bounce" is a real phenomenon, and the Reale Arena will be rocking for Matarazzo’s debut. Real Sociedad should be more energized and aggressive, but Atletico’s tactical maturity and superior firepower usually prevail in these high-pressure games.
Final Score Prediction: Real Sociedad 1–2 Atletico Madrid
