La Liga: Real Sociedad are in for a Long Night Against Barcelona

Barcelona vs Real Sociedad

Barcelona continue to come after the top spot in the La Liga standings, and they have a rare opportunity to overtake Real Madrid this weekend. As of this writing, Hansi Flick’s men are second in the table with 16 points, while Los Blancos are right above them with 18 points.

The Blaugrana will be watching the Madrid derby closely on Saturday before their match against Real Sociedad at Montjuic this Sunday evening. Barcelona will be rooting for Atletico Madrid to beat Real Madrid, and a home win over Real Sociedad could see them come out on top next week.

Real Sociedad are off to a rough start this season under head coach Sergio Francisco. La Real started their 2025-26 campaign with two draws and three losses before securing their first league victory against Mallorca yesterday. The visitors are currently 16th in the table with five points.

Without further ado, here’s the SBOTOP preview of this contest.

 

Talking Points

Barcelona could get huge frontline boost

Barcelona have been prolific in the final third this season, as they boast the league’s best attack so far with 19 goals. That number could increase this weekend against Real Sociedad, especially if Lamine Yamal is 100-per cent fit.

Yamal, fresh from winning the Kopa Trophy for the second straight year, has been out for four consecutive matches due to a groin injury. He didn’t play against Oviedo last night, but team president Joan Laporta said that Yamal could be good to go against Real Sociedad.

The young winger is eager to get some minutes against La Real, whether by starting or coming off the bench, to get some reps ahead of their pivotal Champions League clash with PSG on Wednesday. If he starts against Real Sociedad, Yamal will likely replace Marcus Rashford in the starting lineup to play alongside Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Dani Olmo in the final third, with Robert Lewandowski coming off the bench.

Given the short turnaround between the Oviedo and Real Sociedad games, head coach Hansi Flick could rotate his squad. Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong might start after coming off the bench against Oviedo, which would relegate Eric Garcia and Marc Casado to the bench.

 

Oyarzabal continues to carry Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad finally ended their drought this season with a 1-0 victory over Mallorca, as Mikel Oyarzabal scored the marginal goal minutes after the halftime break. The team captain scored on a tap-in after some lovely passing from Takefusa Kubo and Ander Barrenetxea. He now has two goals and one assist this season.

With Yangel Herrera and Orri Oskarsson doubtful to play against Barcelona, Real Sociedad will need Oyarzabal to lead the way in the final third alongside Kubo and Barrenetxea, with Umar Sadiq and Goncalo Guedes providing support off the bench.

Following the summer departure of Martin Zubimendi, who was sold to Arsenal for a hefty transfer fee, Oyarzabal has been handed the captain’s armband, so there’s pressure for him to lead by example on and off the pitch.

 

History

Barcelona have won 26 of their last 27 La Liga home games against Real Sociedad (L1), including a 4-0 result last March in their most recent league meeting. They’ve also scored in each of their last 38 La Liga home games against Real Sociedad (91 goals total), which is the third-longest scoring streak at home against a single opponent in their Spanish top-flight history. 

However, Real Sociedad have won two of their last five La Liga matches against Barcelona (L3), which is one more than in their previous 16 La Liga meetings (W1, D2, L13). Barcelona didn’t complete a league double over Real Sociedad, as the latter notched a 1-0 victory in their first league encounter last term.

 

Betting Tip

The La Liga 2025 odds expect the hosts to have it easy against their visitors this Sunday. Barcelona are 1.27 favourites to win, whereas Real Sociedad are huge 7.20 underdogs, and a draw is at 5.60 in the 1X2 market.

Barcelona have hit their stride in the final third, so they should be able to see this through while putting up new La Liga 2025 highlights. Besides our recommended bet, bettors may also add Over 3.25 at 1,66, Over 3.50 at 1.88, Over 3.75 at 2.11, and even Total Goal 4-6 at 2.14 to the parlay. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 4-0 in favour of the Blaugrana – the result of their last encounter – could yield up to 13.50 your bet.

   

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