La Liga | Gameweek 29

Mar 29, 2025 at 1pm UK

Reale Arena

Real Sociedad vs Valladolid

Match preview

Real Sociedad have endured a disappointing season given the quality of their squad, with a record of 10 wins, five draws and 13 defeats from 28 games leaving them with 35 points, which is only good enough for 12th place.

The Basque side are only two points clear of 14th-placed Osasuna, but they are only four points behind eighth-placed Celta Vigo, so the picture could change quickly with plenty of points to be won in the coming weeks.

However, Imanol Alguacil's side are now nine points behind sixth-placed Real Betis, so European football is unlikely next season and they could finish outside the top 10 in the Spanish top flight for the first time since 2018.

La Real are winless in their last six games in all competitions, including their last three in the league, but went into the international break with a 2-2 draw against Rayo Vallecano.

The Basque side have the 13th-best home record in La Liga this season, with 20 points from 14 games, but Real Valladolid have just three points from their 14 away games in the 2024/25 campaign.

Real Valladolid have endured an incredibly difficult campaign, taking just 16 points from 28 games to leave them bottom of the table, 11 points adrift of safety in 17th place with just 10 games remaining.

Only a minor miracle will save the White and Violets from relegation this season, although the battle will continue as it remains mathematically possible for the team to escape the bottom three.

Alvaro Rubio's side went into the March international break on the back of a 1-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo and have struggled for goals this term, finding the back of the net just 18 times in 28 games.

Real Valladolid also have by far the worst defensive record in the Spanish top flight this season, having conceded 63 times, so it is easy to see why it has been a tough campaign for them.

In fact, Pucela have won two of their last three league meetings with Real Sociedad, including a 1-0 win in the 2022-23 campaign, while the reverse fixture ended 0-0 this term.

Recent Performance

Real Sociedad La Liga form:WLWLLD

Real Sociedad form (all competitions):LLDLLD

Real Valladolid La Liga form:LLLDLL

Team News

Real Sociedad will be without the services of Ander Barrenetxea through suspension, while Brais Mendez, Sheraldo Becker, Arsen Zakharyan, Luka Sucic and Jon Pacheco will all miss out through injury.

Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored a brace for Spain against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League, will be back in the side after being dropped to the bench against Rayo before the international break.

Speculation continues to surround the future of Martin Zubimendi, who is expected to play his final season at Real Sociedad, with the midfielder set to make his 39th appearance for the club this weekend.

As for Real Valladolid, Juanmi Latasa is back in contention after missing out on the win over Celta last time out through suspension.

Meanwhile, Andre Ferreira and Joseph Aidoo are likely to miss out again due to fitness problems.

There were plenty of positives to take from the last match against Celta and it is entirely possible that Rubio will name an unchanged side for this game, including another start for Raul Moro, who has four goals and three assists in 24 appearances this season.

Possible starting lineup

Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:

Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Elustondo, Munoz; Benat, Zubimendi, S Gomez; Kubo, Oskarsson, Oyarzabal

Real Valladolid possible starting lineup:

Hein; Candela, Comert, J Sanchez, Aznou; Tuhami, Martin, Niktischer, Grillitsch, Moro; Sylla