La Liga: Real Sociedad Fight For Their European Dream

Valencia vs Real Sociedad

Every La Liga match from here on out is a must-win for Real Sociedad as they try to secure their European berth for the next term – including this Sunday when they visit Valencia at the Mestalla.

La Real are hanging tight at the fifth spot in the Spanish top-flight standings with 48 points. And with a Champions League spot looking unlikely at this point since they’re 12 points adrift to fourth-seeded Sevilla, there’s a huge sense of urgency for them to catch the last bus ride to Europe.

On the other hand, the hosts are at the 12^th spot with only 33 points which is disappointing by their standards.

At this point last season, Los Che were in the mix for European qualification. But for now, they will primarily act as spoilers for their visitors in trying to grab a huge win.

Check out the latest match preview from SBOTOP.

Talking Points

Valencia have had a rough last few weeks

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Premier League

It’s a good thing that Los Che are having this game at home given that their road woes are well-documented.

With the way they have been playing over these last few weeks, you’ll never know what you can get from Javi Gracia’s men as they’ve alternated wins and losses.

After their victory over Villarreal early in March, Valencia won over Granada while losing to lower-tier teams in Levante and Cadiz.

Moreover, Valencia were on last week’s La Liga 2021 news when their centre-back Mouctar Diakhaby was allegedly abused racially by a Cadiz player.

It got so bad that Valencia players walked out on the field momentarily but they eventually finished the game or else they would’ve lost three more points.

Diakhaby has been a key defender for Valencia and if he chooses not to participate in this game as protest, they will miss one of their first choice centre-backs.

Furthermore, goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen is already out for this game due to an injury, leaving the backline compromised.

Los Che have yet to secure a clean sheet since mid-February, and Real Sociedad will be licking their chops upon realising that fact.

Real Sociedad can’t afford to have championship hangover

Real Sociedad bring the momentum from their Copa del Rey win when they face Valencia this La Liga game day — Real Sociedad celebrate after winning the 2019/2020 Copa del Rey

Imanol Alguacil was unbridled with joy upon winning the Copa del Rey Final. But unfortunately for his team, they may have to delay their celebration for now as they try to tick off one of their objectives this term.

La Real ended their 34-year trophy drought with a victory over Athletic Bilbao as Mikel Oyarzabal scored the game-winner during the 63^rd minute.

The two clubs faced off once more yesterday. But this time, they were held to a 1-1 draw.

A victory there would’ve put Real Sociedad in pole position for the fifth spot, but instead they are on a three-way tie with Real Betis and Villarreal.

With David Silva out for this match due to an abductor injury, Real Sociedad may have to rely once more to the duo of Mikel Oyarzabal and Alexander Isak.

Mikel Merino, Adrian Januzaj, and Portu all came off the bench previously so they should all be included in the starting XI.

Meanwhile, Alguacil may consider giving Roberto Lopez Alcaide more playing time after his heroics in the last time out.

History

The overall matchup between Valencia and Real Sociedad is as close as it gets.

In their last 37 games together, Valencia have the slight lead in the head-to-head with 15 wins, while Real Sociedad have won 12 times along with 10 draws.

Los Che won the reverse fixture earlier this season as Maxi Gomez scored the marginal goal during the 75^th minute for a 1-0 victory. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, won in their February 2020 encounter with a 3-0 tally.