Real Sociedad host Valencia at Anoeta Stadium on Sunday evening in Round 37 of La Liga, with both sides arriving in very different moods despite similar recent results on paper. Kick-off is at 18:00 BST, and the fixture carries added weight as the season nears its close.
For Sociedad, the concern is a run without a win that has drained momentum, while Valencia have at least mixed draws with notable away and home victories. That contrast gives this meeting a sharper edge than the league positions alone might suggest.
Look at our Data and Stats for Real Sociedad vs Valencia
Why it matters
This is a match that speaks to direction as much as points. Real Sociedad need a response after a sequence of draws and narrow defeats has left them searching for rhythm, while Valencia have shown enough recent resilience to suggest they are finishing the campaign with more clarity.
With only two rounds left after this, the result will shape the tone of the final stretch. A home win would offer Sociedad a much-needed lift and some control over their closing weeks, but Valencia can strengthen their own end-of-season narrative by extending a run that has included wins away at Athletic Club and at home to Girona.
Form picture
Real Sociedad’s recent league form has been stubbornly short of a breakthrough. They have drawn three of their last five, including a 1-1 at Girona and a 2-2 home draw with Real Betis, but those results sit alongside defeats to Sevilla and Getafe, leaving the impression of a side competing without finishing the job.
The pattern is similar across all competitions, with no sign of a separate cup or European bounce to change the mood. Sociedad have been open enough to score in some games, as shown by the 3-3 draw at Rayo Vallecano, but they have also been vulnerable at both ends and have not managed to turn control into wins.
Valencia’s recent form looks more balanced. They have taken points in three of their last five league matches, including a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano and a 1-1 away at Mallorca, while the wins over Athletic Club and Girona show they can still produce disciplined, effective performances.
That gives Valencia a slightly stronger platform heading into Anoeta. They have not been flawless, with the home defeat to Atlético Madrid a reminder of their limits, but their results suggest a side that is harder to unsettle and more capable of adapting to the demands of different opponents.
Key storyline
The main tactical story is likely to be whether Real Sociedad can impose more control in possession without leaving themselves exposed. Their recent lineups point to a flexible shape, moving between 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2, with Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal central to their attacking threat.
Valencia, by contrast, have shown a willingness to switch between a 4-4-2 and a 4-2-3-1, which suggests a pragmatic approach. With Hugo Duro and Javi Guerra both in the expected XI, they look set to carry a direct threat while remaining compact enough to frustrate Sociedad’s build-up.
Team news
Real Sociedad’s only listed injury is Álvaro Odriozola, who remains out with a cruciate ligament tear. That limits their defensive options, but the expected XI otherwise looks settled, with Álex Remiro behind a back four of Duje Caleta-Car, Jon Aramburu, Jon Martín and Sergio Gómez.
The midfield and attacking structure should again revolve around Ander Barrenetxea, Jon Gorrotxategi, Luka Sucic, Takefusa Kubo, Yangel Herrera and Mikel Oyarzabal. The shape has recently alternated between a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-4-2, but the predicted line-up suggests Sociedad may lean towards a more attacking midfield line to try to break their winless run.
Valencia are only missing Thierry Correia, who is sidelined with a muscle injury. Stole Dimitrievski is expected to continue in goal, with César Tárrega, Eray Cömert, José Gayà and Renzo Saravia forming the defensive base.
Their likely selection also points to a familiar, compact structure, with Diego López, Guido Rodríguez, Luis Rioja and Pepelu supporting Hugo Duro and Javi Guerra. That balance gives Valencia options to sit deeper or press selectively, depending on how much territory Sociedad are allowed to claim.
Tactical battle
The key area of the match is likely to be Sociedad’s ability to move Valencia around without becoming predictable. If Kubo and Oyarzabal can find space between the lines, the home side may be able to pin Valencia back, but the visitors have recently shown they can stay organised and wait for openings.
Valencia’s best route may be to keep the game tight and force Sociedad into longer spells of sterile possession. If they can protect the central areas and break quickly through Duro and Guerra, they have enough structure to make this a difficult evening for the hosts.
Recent meetings
Recent meetings have been competitive, with Valencia drawing 1-1 at home in August 2025 after a 1-0 win in January, while Sociedad had the upper hand in the previous three encounters, including a 3-0 home victory and two 1-0 wins.
Reporter’s view
The sense from the form and team news is that this may be a tense, fairly measured contest rather than an open one. Sociedad have enough quality to ask the questions, but their recent inability to turn pressure into wins makes them vulnerable if Valencia keep their shape and remain patient.
Valencia arrive with the more convincing recent balance, even if their results have not been spectacular. If they can absorb the early phases and avoid giving Sociedad a clean rhythm, the visitors have the tools to leave Anoeta with something from a game that may be decided by a single moment.
Prediction
A tight contest looks likely, with Valencia well placed to frustrate Sociedad and a draw the most natural outcome.
