Overview
Real Sociedad has 7 points after 5 rounds of La Liga this season, with 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats, thereby ranking 9th in the standings.
The Basque team started the season unfavorably when they successively lost to Real Betis and Real Madrid. However, they quickly improved their form with 7 points won in the last 3 matches. Real Sociedad defeated Espanyol and Elche, interspersed with a 0-0 draw with Celta Vigo.
Last season, Real Sociedad only finished in 10th place in La Liga. However, their achievements in the Europa League helped them qualify for the group stage of this tournament in the 2026-2027 season. With the current squad quality, Pellegrino Matarazzo's team aims to compete for a place in the top 6 of La Liga.
The confrontation with Atletico Madrid also brought many emotions as this is the first time the two teams have met since the Copa del Rey final last season. Real Sociedad defeated Atletico in a penalty shootout to win the championship.
However, Atletico still has an advantage in head-to-head record. In 165 encounters in all competitions, the capital team won 80 matches and only lost 48 times. In La Liga, Atletico is also unbeaten against Real Sociedad since September 2019. However, the last time the two teams met in the tournament ended with a score of 1-1.
Atletico had a pretty good start to the 2026-2027 season when they won 7 points after the first 3 matches against Malaga, Villarreal and Sevilla. However, their form is showing signs of decline.
Last weekend, Atletico suffered a heavy 0-3 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. By midweek, they continued to be empty-handed in their away match against Liverpool in the Champions League with a score of 1-2.
Atletico once took the lead against Liverpool thanks to Marcos Llorente's goal. However, the English team successfully reversed the score, causing Atletico to suffer their second consecutive defeat in all competitions.
Currently, Atletico is 6th in La Liga with 7 points. They are 2 points behind Real Madrid and 5 points behind Barcelona. Therefore, the away match against Real Sociedad is important for Simeone's team if they want to quickly return to the winning track.
Personnel situation
Real Sociedad will be without Jon Martin in this match due to the 20-year-old defender receiving a red card in the victory over Elche. Alvaro Odriozola is also absent due to a knee injury, while Pablo Marin needs to undergo a medical examination to determine his ability to play.
Mikel Oyarzabal is likely to continue to lead Real Sociedad's attack. The home team is predicted not to have many changes in the starting lineup.
On Atletico Madrid's side, Alexander Sorloth still leaves open the possibility of playing due to muscle problems. Julian Alvarez is likely to continue to start after appearing in the starting lineup in the match against Liverpool.
Alex Baena and Lee Kang-in are expected to be present in the attack, thereby Ademola Lookman is likely to start the match on the bench.
Expected lineup:
Real Sociedad: Marrero, Aramburu, Zubeldia, Sarr, Gomez, Ochieng, Herrera, Soler, Guedes, Sucic, Oyarzabal.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Grimaldo, Simeone, Barrios, Hjulmand, Baena, Lee, Alvarez.
The match between Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid takes place at 2:00 AM on September 14 (Vietnam time).
