Real Sociedad Vs Espanyol

Espanyol will aim to extend their unbeaten streak across all competitions to six matches when they travel to Anoeta Stadium on Sunday evening for a showdown against Real Sociedad. This crucial fixture carries significant weight for both sides, as they each look to improve their respective league standings.

Currently positioned in 17th place in La Liga, Espanyol hold a slim two-point advantage over Alaves, who occupy the first relegation spot in 18th. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad have endured a lackluster campaign by their usual standards and sit in 11th place with 28 points from 22 matches.

For years, Real Sociedad have been a consistent presence in the upper echelons of Spanish football. Since 2019, they have not finished below sixth place in La Liga, demonstrating their ability to challenge for European spots on a regular basis. Over the last nine seasons, they have only dropped outside the top 10 once, which underscores how underwhelming their current campaign has been. The White and Blues have registered eight victories, four draws, and ten defeats from their 22 matches, leaving them 11th in the standings. However, they are only four points adrift of sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano, meaning a strong run of form could reignite their European ambitions.

Under the guidance of Imanol Alguacil, Real Sociedad have been juggling multiple competitions, which has taken a toll on their league performances. Their recent success in the Copa del Rey saw them advance to the semi-finals following a 2-0 triumph over Osasuna on Thursday evening. Furthermore, they have a crucial Europa League two-legged playoff against Danish side FC Midtjylland on the horizon. However, their domestic form has suffered amid their congested fixture schedule, with three consecutive league defeats and four losses in their last five La Liga matches.

Performing in front of their home crowd has also proven challenging for Real Sociedad this season. From 11 league matches at Anoeta Stadium, they have secured just 14 points, which is a concerning statistic as they prepare to host an Espanyol side that has been growing in confidence.

Espanyol have been in impressive form since the start of 2025, remaining unbeaten in their four league matches so far this year. During this stretch, they have accumulated eight points, securing victories against Real Valladolid and Real Madrid while earning 1-1 draws against both Leganes and Sevilla. Their most notable triumph came last weekend when they shocked reigning champions Real Madrid, securing a dramatic win thanks to an 85th-minute goal from Carlos Romero. That victory propelled them out of the relegation zone and into 17th place, two points clear of Alaves.

Although they remain deeply entrenched in the relegation battle, Espanyol’s recent performances suggest they have the resilience needed to climb further up the table. A positive result against Real Sociedad could see them rise as high as 13th place, providing them with a crucial buffer from the drop zone.

Despite their recent upturn in form, Espanyol’s struggles away from home remain a major concern. They have lost seven of their last eight La Liga matches on the road, and their last away league victory dates back to May 2023. This alarming away record will be a key factor heading into their clash with Real Sociedad, as they must overcome their travel woes to secure a much-needed result.

Adding to their challenge, Espanyol have a poor recent record against Real Sociedad, having suffered four consecutive league defeats against them. Furthermore, they have not won an away fixture against the Basque side in La Liga since September 2015. This historical disadvantage suggests that Espanyol will need to produce an exceptional performance to come away with points from Anoeta Stadium.

With both teams having plenty to fight for, this match promises to be a fascinating contest. Real Sociedad will be eager to regain momentum in La Liga and push for a European qualification spot, while Espanyol will be desperate to continue their resurgence and distance themselves from the relegation battle. The outcome of this encounter could have significant implications for the remainder of the season for both clubs.