Real Sociedad vs Lyon Preview, prediction, injury news & lineups | UEFA Europa League 2026-27
Just two points separate these sides on the UCL points table.
Real Sociedad will welcome Lyon to the Estadio Municipal de Anoeta on Thursday, November 5, for a UEFA Europa League league-phase encounter. Both teams will be looking to strengthen their position in the competition as the league phase reaches its fourth round.
The fixture brings together two sides with ambitions of progressing further in Europe. Real Sociedad will have the advantage of playing at home, while Lyon will look to make an impact on the road.
Both clubs have experienced contrasting results in their recent matches, setting up an interesting contest in San Sebastián. The outcome could prove important as the teams look to build consistency in the Europa League.
Sociedad and Lyon have both won three of their last five matches across all competitions. Sociedad’s recent run includes a 6-0 victory over Lillestrøm and a 2-1 win against Levante, but they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Athletic Club. Lyon, meanwhile, have lost consecutive games against PSG and Hoffenheim but bounced back with a 2-0 win over Angers.
Kick-off Details
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- Competition: UEFA Europa League 2026-27
- Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
- Time: 5:45 PM UTC / 11:15 PM IST
- Venue: Estadio Municipal de Anoeta, San Sebastián, Spain
- Referee: To be announced
- VAR: In use
Form
Real Sociedad: L-W-W-W-D
Lyon: W-D-D-W-W
Players to watch out for
Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
Oyarzabal’s movement and ability to create chances in the final third make him an important player for the hosts. His link-up play with Gonçalo Guedes could be key to breaking down Lyon’s defence.
Keito Nakamura (Lyon)
Nakamura has scored once and registered two assists in three Europa League appearances. His ability to create opportunities and contribute in the final third makes him one of Lyon’s players to watch.
Match Facts
- Real Sociedad have scored eight goals in their opening three Europa League matches, conceding three.
- Lyon have scored five goals and conceded six in their first three Europa League fixtures.
- Real Sociedad recorded a 6-0 away victory over Lillestrøm in their previous Europa League match.
- Lyon suffered a 3-0 defeat against Hoffenheim in their previous Europa League fixture.
Betting tips & odds
- Tip 1: Real Sociedad to win – 4/5 with bet365.
- Tip 2: Orri Steinn Óskarsson to score anytime – 7/5 with bet365.
- Tip 3: Luka Sučić to score anytime – 5/2 with bet365.
Injury & team news
For the hosts, Pellegrino Matarazzo’s men will be without Álvaro Odriozola, Luken Beitia and Arsen Zakharyan, who are all sidelined with injuries. Odriozola is recovering from a knee injury, while Beitia and Zakharyan are dealing with ankle problems. All three are expected to return around mid-November.
For the visitors, Paulo Fonseca’s side has five players listed as unavailable. Steeve Kango is out with a concussion, Mohamed Ouédraogo is recovering from a knee injury, Tyler Morton has a groin problem, Loïs Openda is sidelined with a leg injury, and Pavel Šulc is recovering from a meniscus injury.
Šulc is not expected back until early January 2027, while Ouédraogo’s return is projected for late June 2027.
Head-to-head stats
- Matches Played: 03
- Real Sociedad: 02
- Lyon FC: 00
- Draw: 01
Predicted Lineup
Real Sociedad (4-4-2)
Unai Marrero; Jon Aramburu, Jon Martín, Mamadou Sarr, Sergio Gómez; Takefusa Kubo, Jon Gorrotxategi, Carlos Soler, Luka Sučić; Mikel Oyarzabal, Gonçalo Guedes.
Lyon (4-3-3)
Dominik Greif; Zachary Athekame, Felix Bacher, Moussa Niakhaté, Abner; Mads Bidstrup, Tanner Tessmann, Corentin Tolisso; Ernest Nuamah, Julien Duranville, Keito Nakamura.
Match Prediction
Real Sociedad’s home advantage and stronger recent results give them a slight edge heading into this fixture. Lyon have enough attacking quality to trouble the hosts, but their recent defensive performances, particularly the 3-0 defeat against Hoffenheim, raise concerns. With both teams capable of scoring, a competitive match is expected, although Real Sociedad could do enough to secure all three points.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 2-1 Lyon
Telecast Details
US: CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, Fubo Sports
UK: HBO Max (UK), TNT Sports 5
India: SonyLIV app and Sony Sports Network
Nigeria: SuperSport MaXimo 1
When is Real Sociedad vs Lyon?
The match will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
What time does Real Sociedad vs Lyon kick off in India?
The match is scheduled to begin at 11:15 PM IST.
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