Overview
Real Sociedad experienced a not really impressive La Liga 2025-2026 season when they only finished in 10th place. However, the Copa del Rey championship helped them qualify for the Europa League this season.
After 6 rounds in La Liga, Real Sociedad has 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats, winning 7 points and ranked 12th in the standings. Pellegrino Matarazzo's team entered this match after a 0-3 home defeat to Atletico Madrid.
With the Europa League kicking off, Real Sociedad will have to divide their focus on both domestic and European competitions. In the group stage, they will successively face Royale Union SG, Lillestrom, Lyon, Crystal Palace, Torreense, Plzen and Juventus.
The last time Real Sociedad participated in the Europa League was the 2024-2025 season. At that time, the Spanish team advanced to the round of 16 but was eliminated by Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth is preparing to experience their first European season in history. This team finished sixth in the Premier League last season and qualified for the Europa League group stage.
Bournemouth have played 5 matches in two arenas this season but have only had one victory. That was the 4-0 victory over Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup.
In the Premier League, Marco Rose's team has 3 draws and 1 defeat, won 3 points and is ranked 15th in the standings. Bournemouth will also face a rather tight Europa League schedule when they successively meet Sturm Graz, AC Milan, Sparta Prague, Celta Vigo, Plzen, Lillestrom and Hapoel Be'er Sheva.
The trip to Real Sociedad stadium will be one of Bournemouth's first anticipated matches in the European arena. Marco Rose's team entered this confrontation after a 2-2 draw with Brentford in the Premier League.
Personnel situation
Real Sociedad continues to face difficulties in terms of force when Alvaro Odriozola is still on long-term leave due to injury. Igor Zubeldia is also unable to participate due to fitness issues.
The home team is also short of Jon Aramburu due to suspension. This defender was sent off in the match against Manchester United in the 2024-2025 season and will not be able to play in the Europa League.
Mikel Oyarzabal, who just won the 2026 World Cup with the Spanish national team, is one of the most notable names of Real Sociedad. Hector Fort, a player who joined the Basque team from Barcelona at the end of August, is likely to take on the right-back position.
On Bournemouth's side, Julian Araujo, Amine Adli, Veljko Milosavljevic and Eli Junior Kroupi are all absent due to injury.
Bournemouth is unlikely to have too many changes in the starting lineup. Rayan, Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier are expected to play behind striker Evanilson.
Alex Scott is also expected to have the opportunity to impress in the Europa League this season. The Scottish midfielder may receive attention from several clubs in the summer transfer window next year.
Expected lineup:
Real Sociedad: Marrero, Fort, Sarr, Pacheco, Gomez, Ochieng, Herrera, Soler, Guedes, Oyarzabal, Sucic.
Petrovic, Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert, Adams, Scott, Rayan, Kluivert, Tavernier, Evanilson.
The match between Real Sociedad and Bournemouth takes place at 2:00 AM on September 18 (Vietnam time).
