Real Sociedad’s start to the season has been disappointing, with the Basque club picking up only eight points from their first eight games to lie in 14th place, only three points above the relegation zone.

Imanol Alguacil’s squad has failed to score this season, with only six goals in eight league games, and they are now eight points behind fourth place in the rankings.

The White and Blues defeated Valencia 3-0 in the league last weekend, easily their greatest performance of the season, but they were unable to build on that victory, losing 2-1 at home to Anderlecht in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Real Sociedad had only one point from their first two Europa League games, indicating that a strong group has failed this season.

The Basque team has lost each of their past three league meetings against Atletico, and they have not beaten the Red and Whites in Spain’s top division since September 2019.

Despite a late draw against Real Madrid in the Madrid derby, Atletico suffered a 4-0 Champions League loss at Benfica in Portugal on Wednesday night.

The setback was their first in any tournament this season, and it might be terrible news for Real Sociedad, as the capital club will undoubtedly be desperate to rebound this weekend.

A strong start to their 2024-25 La Liga campaign has placed them fourth in the rankings, with four victories and four draws for a total of 16 points, just two points behind second-place Real Madrid.

While Diego Simeone’s team may not be championship contenders this season, a win this weekend would put them in a solid position for the October international break.

Atletico defeated Real Sociedad 2-0 in the comparable encounter at the close of last season, and they have only lost once against Sunday’s opponents in Spain’s top division since April 2018.

 

Team News

© Imago

Real Sociedad will be missing three players due to injury on Sunday, including Igor Zubeldia, Hamari Traore, and Arsen Zakharyan.

Alguacil plans to make changes to the Europa League starting lineup, including Nayef Aguerd, Takefusa Kubo, and Ander Barrenetxea.

Sergio Gomez and Mikel Oyarzabal will return to the team, while Martin Zubimendi will be recalled after declining a move to Liverpool in the summer.

Atletico Madrid will be without Robin Le Normand, Caesar Azpilicueta, and Pablo Barrios, as well as Marcos Llorente, who received a red card during the Madrid derby.

Nahuel Molina and Conor Gallagher are expected to be recalled after starting on the bench against Benfica. However, Alexander Sorloth may remain on the bench.

Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez are anticipated to start as the front two, while Rodrigo De Paul may play in a wide midfield role for the capital side this weekend.

Real Sociedad’s likely starting lineup: Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, J Lopez; Zubimendi, Sucic, S Gomez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea.

Atletico Madrid’s likely starting lineup: Oblak, Molina, Witsel, Gimenez, Reinildo; De Paul, Koke, Gallagher, Lino; Alvarez, Griezmann

 

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Our prediction: Real Sociedad 1-2 Atletico Madrid.

Atletico will have been hurt by their four-goal setback to Benfica, and Simeone will expect a response from his players this weekend. Real Sociedad have struggled to adjust to the new season, and we believe Atletico will win a tough encounter on Sunday night.

 

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