Real Sociedad and Celta Viejo Clash in Key LaLiga Showdown

Real Sociedad and Celta Viejo are set to meet at Anoeta in a crucial LaLiga match, both teams entering the contest with six consecutive games without a loss. The home side’s streak includes performances from both LaLiga and the Copa, while Celta’s unbeaten run is solely from the league. This match could determine whether they are contenders for European qualification: a win for Real Sociedad would position them as challengers, while a victory for Celta would enhance their prospects significantly. The ‘Matarazzo effect’ faces another significant test today.

Real Sociedad approaches this match at their best moment of the season, having secured three consecutive wins, including two thrilling home victories: one against Osasuna in the Copa via penalties after coming back from a 0-2 deficit, and a triumph over Barcelona in LaLiga. Their goal is to achieve a hat-trick of league wins, allowing them to move away from the relegation zone and aspire for European football.

However, Matarazzo will have to contend with two significant absences: the long-term injured Kubo and the suspended Carlos Soler. Barrenetxea and Gorrotxategi are expected to step in. Most of the regular starters from recent weeks should retain their positions unless the coach opts to switch from his typical 1-4-2-3-1 formation to a 1-5-3-2, possibly including the revitalized Odriozola instead of Barrenetxea.

Celta Viejo is also experiencing a remarkable phase, having won all four of their matches in 2026: three in LaLiga and one in the Europa League. They have not lost a domestic match away since September 28 at Martínez Valero against Elche (2-1). Under Giráldez, they aim to progress in the Europa League while competing for continental places in LaLiga. Therefore, the manager will field a competitive lineup against Real Sociedad, despite the need for some rotations following their demanding match against Lille on Thursday. Moriba is set to return after serving a suspension during that match.

The matchup features a duel between Oyarzabal and Borja Iglesias, two of LaLiga’s top scorers with six and seven goals, respectively. Both players will aim to enhance their tallies to help secure three vital points for their teams.

As both teams head into this match with momentum, fans can expect an intense and closely matched encounter at Anoeta. Given their current form and playing styles, a draw seems a plausible outcome.