Match Information
Match Overview
Real Sociedad host Alaves at the Reale Arena in Matchday 31 of the La Liga regular season, with both teams navigating the crucial final third of the campaign with contrasting objectives. This fixture arrives at a pivotal moment where every point carries significant weight in determining final league positions.
The most compelling factor heading into this encounter is the stark contrast in recent trajectories and current league standings. Real Sociedad occupy 7th position with 38 points from 29 games, placing them in the hunt for European qualification spots. Their season statistics show a balanced but inconsistent team with 10 wins, 8 draws, and 11 losses, scoring 44 goals while conceding 45. Meanwhile, Alaves sit precariously in 16th place with just 31 points, only narrowly above the relegation zone. Their away form has been particularly concerning with just 3 wins in 15 away fixtures this season.
The injury situation presents significant challenges for both sides. Real Sociedad will be without several key players including Jon Gorrotxategi (muscle injury), Yankuba Herrera (calf injury), Igor Zubeldia (thigh injury), and Takefusa Kubo (hamstring injury). These absences, particularly in midfield and defense, could disrupt their tactical setup. Alaves face their own personnel issues with Lucas Boye unavailable due to a foot injury and Facundo Garces suspended, limiting their attacking options and defensive depth.
The head-to-head record reveals an intriguing recent pattern, with their most recent Copa del Rey quarter-final meeting in February 2026 producing a thrilling 3-2 victory for Real Sociedad. This psychological edge, combined with home advantage and superior league position, makes Real Sociedad slight favorites to secure a crucial victory in their European qualification push.
Predicted Lineups
Real Sociedad
A. Remiro; J. Aramburu, D. Caleta-Car, J. Martin, S. Gomez; A. Barrenetxea, C. Soler, L. Sucic, G. Guedes; B. Mendez, M. Oyarzabal
Alaves
A. Sivera; Jonny Otto, N. Tenaglia, J. Pacheco, V. Parada; A. Perez, P. Ibanez, A. Blanco, C. Alena; T. Martinez, I. Diabate
Team Form Analysis
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad Form Analysis
Real Sociedad's recent form presents a tale of mixed fortunes that reflects their mid-table positioning this season. Their last five matches show an inconsistent pattern with notable victories interspersed with disappointing defeats. The highlight was their impressive 3-1 victory over Osasuna at home in March, demonstrating their capability to dominate against fellow La Liga opposition. However, this was followed by a heavy 3-1 defeat away to Villarreal, exposing their struggles on the road.
Offensively, Real Sociedad have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their attacking combinations involving Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Mendez. Their 44 goals scored in 29 league games represents a decent return, though not exceptional by their historical standards. Defensively, they've been vulnerable with 45 goals conceded, indicating structural issues that manager Pellegrino Matarazzo continues to address.
The team's home form has been notably stronger than their away record, with 7 wins in 14 home fixtures providing a foundation for their European aspirations. Their ability to create chances from wide positions through players like Ander Barrenetxea has been crucial, though converting these opportunities into consistent results remains their primary challenge in the season's final stretch.
Alaves
Alaves Form Analysis
Alaves approach this fixture with form that encapsulates their season-long struggle for consistency and points. Their recent matches show a team fighting for survival, with their most encouraging result being a remarkable 4-3 away victory at Celta Vigo in March, showcasing their never-say-die attitude and attacking potential when given space. This victory demonstrated their ability to score goals, with Toni Martinez and the attacking unit capable of troubling any defense on their day.
However, this positive result was preceded by concerning performances, including a 1-1 home draw with Villarreal where they failed to capitalize on home advantage. Their away form statistics tell a worrying story with just 3 wins from 15 away fixtures, highlighting the challenge they face traveling to San Sebastian. The team has managed 30 goals in 29 games, indicating struggles in the final third, while conceding 41 goals suggests defensive fragilities.
Under Quique Sanchez Flores, Alaves have shown glimpses of tactical organization and fighting spirit, particularly in matches where they've taken early leads. Their 10 failed-to-score games reveal inconsistency in attack, though players like Carles Alena and Pablo Ibanez provide creative spark when given time and space. The team's survival hopes depend heavily on improving their away form in these crucial final fixtures.
Head-to-Head
Real Sociedad
Alaves
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-04 | Alaves | 2 - 3 | Real Sociedad |
| 2025-12-06 | Alaves | 1 - 0 | Real Sociedad |
| 2025-04-23 | Alaves | 1 - 0 | Real Sociedad |
| 2024-08-28 | Real Sociedad | 1 - 2 | Alaves |
| 2024-07-20 | Alaves | 1 - 1 | Real Sociedad |
| 2024-03-31 | Alaves | 0 - 1 | Real Sociedad |
| 2024-01-02 | Real Sociedad | 1 - 1 | Alaves |
| 2022-03-13 | Real Sociedad | 1 - 0 | Alaves |
| 2022-01-02 | Alaves | 1 - 1 | Real Sociedad |
| 2021-07-24 | Real Sociedad | 3 - 1 | Alaves |
Memorable Matches
The recent Copa del Rey quarter-final encounter in February 2026 stands out as the most memorable recent meeting between these sides. Real Sociedad's dramatic 3-2 victory at the Estadio de Mendizorroza showcased both teams' attacking capabilities, with the visitors overturning a 2-1 halftime deficit to progress in the competition. This match highlighted the competitive nature of fixtures between these Basque neighbors, with end-to-end action and crucial goals in the final stages.
Another notable encounter was their La Liga meeting in December 2025, where Alaves secured a crucial 1-0 home victory that demonstrated their ability to frustrate higher-placed opponents through organized defending and clinical finishing. This result was particularly significant for Alaves' season trajectory, providing valuable points in their relegation battle.
The historical context between these teams often produces closely contested affairs, with both sides understanding each other's tactical approaches well. Their meetings typically feature passionate support from both sets of fans, creating an authentic Spanish football atmosphere that elevates the intensity and quality of play on the pitch.
Venue Factor
The Reale Arena provides Real Sociedad with a significant advantage in this crucial La Liga encounter. Their home record of 7 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses from 14 fixtures demonstrates the venue's importance to their season campaign. The stadium's intimate atmosphere, with passionate Real Sociedad supporters creating a cauldron of noise, has proven particularly effective against visiting teams struggling for form and confidence.
Alaves' away record this season tells a concerning story for their supporters, with just 3 victories from 15 away fixtures highlighting their struggles when leaving the comfort of the Estadio de Mendizorroza. The team's away statistics show significant defensive vulnerabilities, conceding 25 goals in 15 away matches, which could prove problematic against a Real Sociedad side desperate for points in their European qualification push.
The venue factor becomes even more pronounced considering the psychological impact of recent meetings at this ground. Real Sociedad's familiarity with the playing surface, combined with strong local support and knowledge of optimal tactical setups for their home conditions, provides multiple advantages that could prove decisive in what promises to be a tightly contested affair between two teams with contrasting seasonal objectives and current form trajectories.
Injury Concerns
Real Sociedad
Alaves
