Getafe Vs Real Sociedad

Getafe will be eager to secure their first victory of the La Liga season when they host Real Sociedad at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez on Sunday. While the home side looks to capitalize on their solid, albeit winless, start to the campaign, Real Sociedad will be aiming to bounce back from a midweek defeat that highlighted some early-season vulnerabilities.

The Current Situation at Getafe

Getafe entered the 2024-2025 La Liga season amidst a period of transition, following a summer that saw several key players depart, leaving the squad somewhat depleted. Despite the challenges posed by these departures, Getafe has managed to begin the season with a degree of resilience, securing two draws from their opening matches.

A particular challenge for head coach José Bordalás has been the absence of a recognized centre-forward in the opening fixtures. This situation has forced Christantus Uche, a summer signing, to adapt to an unfamiliar role. Typically a midfielder, Uche has had to fill the void upfront, showcasing his versatility and determination. His transition from the Spanish third tier to La Liga has been remarkable, as evidenced by his crucial equalizer against Athletic Bilbao. Uche’s goal not only secured a valuable point for Getafe but also highlighted his potential as a key player in Bordalás’s tactical setup.

Last weekend, Getafe continued to show their defensive solidity with a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano. Although the Azulones struggled to create clear-cut chances, their ability to grind out results, even in the face of adversity, has been commendable. Unlike many of their La Liga counterparts, Getafe did not have a midweek fixture due to the postponement of their match against Real Betis. This delay was caused by Betis’s involvement in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds. While this could be seen as a disruption to Getafe's rhythm, the extra rest might prove beneficial as they aim to break a seven-game winless streak in La Liga.

Real Sociedad’s Early-Season Struggles

Real Sociedad, on the other hand, have had a mixed start to their La Liga campaign. They began the season with a narrow defeat at home to Rayo Vallecano, followed by a hard-fought victory against newly-promoted Espanyol. That match saw Take Kubo score a late winner, providing a much-needed boost to La Real after their opening-day disappointment.

However, any momentum gained from that win was short-lived, as Real Sociedad succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Alaves in their midweek clash. The game was marred by a red card to Mikel Oyarzabal, who was sent off after just over 30 minutes, forcing his side to play the majority of the match with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Real Sociedad initially managed to take the lead through Brais Méndez. However, the strain of playing a man down eventually took its toll, and Alaves capitalized with goals from Asier Villalibre and Toni Martinez, turning the game on its head and leaving Real Sociedad empty-handed.

The result leaves Real Sociedad in 13th place in the early La Liga standings, a position that is likely to be a source of frustration for head coach Imanol Alguacil. The Basque side came into the season with high expectations, particularly after a summer of strategic recruitment aimed at bolstering their squad depth. However, their inconsistent performances so far have raised questions about their ability to challenge for European qualification once again this season.

Tactical Approaches and Key Players

As the two sides prepare to meet on Sunday, both managers will be acutely aware of the need to make tactical adjustments. For Getafe, the primary concern will be finding a way to convert their defensive solidity into attacking threat. Bordalás’s teams are traditionally known for their organization and discipline, often frustrating opponents with their compact shape and physicality. However, this approach has also led to criticisms of a lack of creativity in the final third, a problem that has been exacerbated by the absence of a natural striker.

Christantus Uche's continued adaptation to his new role will be crucial if Getafe are to pose a genuine threat to Real Sociedad’s defense. The Nigerian midfielder has shown flashes of potential in his makeshift striker role, but he will need support from the likes of Carles Aleñá and Jaime Mata if Getafe are to find the net. Bordalás may also consider bringing in additional attacking options from the bench, such as Enes Ünal, who could provide a more traditional forward presence if needed.

Real Sociedad, meanwhile, will need to address the defensive lapses that have cost them valuable points in the opening weeks. The suspension of Oyarzabal is a significant blow, not just for his goal-scoring ability but also for his leadership on the pitch. In his absence, much will depend on the performances of Brais Méndez and Take Kubo, who have shown glimpses of their quality but will need to be more consistent if La Real are to climb the table.

Alguacil may also look to rotate his squad, given the physical demands of playing with ten men for over an hour in midweek. The return of key players such as David Silva, who has been carefully managed due to his age, could provide a creative spark in the attacking third. Similarly, Alexander Isak’s pace and finishing ability will be crucial if Real Sociedad are to exploit any gaps in Getafe’s defense.

Historical Context and Recent Encounters

The history of this fixture suggests that Getafe may have reason to be optimistic, particularly when playing at home. Real Sociedad have struggled at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez in recent years, with their last victory at the venue coming in February 2021. Since then, Getafe have managed to make their home ground something of a fortress against La Real, often frustrating the visitors with their disciplined defensive displays.

However, Real Sociedad will be acutely aware that this is a different Getafe side from the one they faced in previous seasons. The departures of key players and the adaptation of new ones have left the Azulones in a state of flux, and Alguacil will be keen to exploit any signs of uncertainty in the home side’s ranks. Moreover, with the pressure mounting after their inconsistent start, Real Sociedad will be desperate to secure a win to avoid slipping further down the table.

The Broader Implications

For both teams, Sunday’s match represents more than just three points; it is an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the season. Getafe will view the game as a chance to build on their solid start and finally secure a win that could kickstart their campaign. A victory would not only end their winless streak but also provide a much-needed boost to the morale of a squad that has had to endure a challenging summer.

Real Sociedad, on the other hand, will see the match as a critical juncture in their season. With tougher fixtures on the horizon, including a Basque derby against Athletic Bilbao, Alguacil will know that his side cannot afford to drop more points if they are to keep pace with the teams at the top of the table. A win in Madrid would not only improve their league position but also restore confidence ahead of what promises to be a demanding run of games.

Conclusion

As Getafe and Real Sociedad prepare to face off, both teams will be aware of the importance of the upcoming fixture. For Getafe, it is an opportunity to translate their defensive resilience into a long-awaited victory, while Real Sociedad will be looking to bounce back from midweek disappointment and gain momentum in their quest for a higher league position. With both sides having plenty to play for, Sunday’s contest at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez promises to be a closely fought battle, with the potential to shape the trajectory of their respective seasons.