Las Palmas Vs Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad, having recently experienced the heartbreak of falling short in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, are now preparing to redirect their focus toward La Liga, where they are set to face off against a Las Palmas side that is deeply embroiled in the relegation battle. The Basque club will travel to the Canary Islands on Sunday afternoon, hoping to bounce back from their cup disappointment by securing three crucial league points. While Real Sociedad's hopes of securing a place in European competition for next season are rapidly fading, Las Palmas are engaged in a desperate fight for survival at the other end of the table.

Heading into this clash, Real Sociedad find themselves occupying 10th place in the La Liga standings. With 38 points amassed from their 29 fixtures so far, their campaign has been underwhelming when compared to the club’s ambitions at the start of the season. Their inconsistency has been a major hindrance, preventing them from building any meaningful momentum throughout the league season. Meanwhile, Las Palmas sit in 19th place, a perilous position with relegation looming large. They have garnered just 26 points from 29 matches, and while they are not cut adrift—only a point separates them from 17th-placed Alaves—the margin for error is narrowing with every passing week.

Las Palmas' current predicament is a reflection of the fierce and congested relegation battle that has gripped the bottom half of La Liga. While Real Valladolid seem destined for the drop, rooted to the bottom with little hope of survival, the fight to avoid joining them in the second division next season involves multiple teams. Only five points separate 19th from 15th, and Las Palmas are one of the sides desperate to emerge from this volatile group. Their campaign has been marked by an inability to convert performances into victories. With six wins, eight draws, and 15 defeats, they have failed to find the consistency required to steer clear of danger. 

In recent weeks, there have been some signs of resilience from Diego Martinez’s side. They have managed to avoid defeat in three of their last four league outings, a modest but encouraging run that suggests they have not yet given up hope. Nevertheless, victories remain elusive, and the fact that they have not tasted league success since before the winter break will be a major cause for concern. Draws, such as the 1-1 result against Celta Vigo and the 2-2 stalemate with Alaves in their last home fixture, have been more common than wins. While these results have helped keep them within touching distance of safety, the lack of three-point hauls is becoming increasingly damaging as the end of the season approaches.

Home form has not been a significant source of strength for Las Palmas either. From their 14 home league games this season, they have picked up only 14 points—a statistic that underscores their struggles in front of their own supporters. This inconsistency at home has prevented them from establishing Gran Canaria as a fortress, something that could have provided them with the foundation for a more comfortable position in the table. In contrast, their upcoming opponents, Real Sociedad, have also endured a largely disappointing season away from home. From 14 away fixtures in La Liga, they have managed just 15 points, highlighting their vulnerability on the road.

Real Sociedad’s recent outing in the Copa del Rey was a thrilling but ultimately futile endeavor. In the second leg of their semi-final clash with Real Madrid, La Real played out an astonishing 4-4 draw. While the performance was full of attacking flair and drama, it was not enough to overturn the deficit from the first leg, and they were eliminated with a 5-4 aggregate loss. The result was a bitter pill to swallow for Imanol Alguacil and his players, who had hoped to reach the final and potentially secure silverware. Despite the disappointment, they showed resilience in league action, earning a 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid in their most recent La Liga fixture. That win provided a temporary reprieve and kept them within sight of the teams above them in the table.

However, the gap between Real Sociedad and the European places is becoming increasingly difficult to bridge. They are currently nine points adrift of sixth-placed Real Betis, the team occupying the final Europa League qualification spot. Even more daunting is the 15-point chasm between them and fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao, who are on course for a Champions League berth. With only nine games remaining in the season, it would require a near-perfect run of form for Real Sociedad to climb into contention for European football. Given their inconsistencies throughout the campaign, such a turnaround appears unlikely.

One of the major talking points surrounding Real Sociedad as the season draws to a close is the future of Martin Zubimendi. The midfield dynamo has long been touted as one of the brightest prospects in Spanish football, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by Europe’s elite clubs. Arsenal are believed to be leading the race for his signature, with Mikel Arteta reportedly a huge admirer of the Spanish international. However, Real Madrid are also said to be monitoring the situation closely, and the summer transfer window could see a bidding war ensue for the 25-year-old. Zubimendi’s departure would undoubtedly be a blow for Real Sociedad, both in terms of quality and identity. He has been a key figure in their midfield engine room, offering composure, intelligence, and leadership beyond his years.

That said, his sale would bring in significant funds, which could be reinvested into the squad. Real Sociedad are in need of fresh blood, as several players have struggled to maintain consistent form over the course of the 2024-25 season. Injuries, tactical uncertainty, and a general dip in performance levels have all contributed to their mid-table status. Imanol Alguacil will be keen to oversee a summer rebuild, identifying areas of weakness and targeting reinforcements that can restore the team’s competitiveness. Whether he remains at the helm next season remains to be seen, but his work in recent years has earned him a degree of credit and patience from the club’s hierarchy.

As for their immediate task, the trip to Las Palmas offers Real Sociedad an opportunity to reassert themselves in the league and potentially make up some ground on the teams above them. While their away form has been far from convincing, facing a side in the relegation zone could present a chance to capitalize on their superior squad depth and experience. The Basque club will need to manage the psychological aftermath of their Copa del Rey elimination and channel their frustration into a positive performance on Sunday. Players like Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Merino, and Ander Barrenetxea will need to step up and deliver, particularly in the absence of consistent contributions from other areas of the squad.

For Las Palmas, this fixture is another critical test in their ongoing battle for survival. Every point is precious at this stage, and taking something from a side like Real Sociedad would be a significant morale booster. Diego Martinez will likely adopt a pragmatic approach, aiming to frustrate the visitors and exploit any defensive vulnerabilities on the counterattack. The support of the home crowd could play a pivotal role, providing the players with the energy and belief needed to push for a positive result.

As the season enters its final stretch, the stakes could not be higher for both clubs, albeit for very different reasons. Real Sociedad are clinging to the faint hope of a late charge into European contention, while Las Palmas are fighting tooth and nail to preserve their top-flight status. This weekend’s encounter, therefore, promises to be a compelling affair, shaped by contrasting ambitions and the relentless pressure that accompanies the business end of a long campaign. The outcome could have lasting implications for the direction of both teams in the weeks ahead, and neither side can afford to take their eye off the prize.