Real Sociedad vs Espanyol Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | LaLiga 2025-26

San Sebastian gears up to host the Catalonia outfit.

Matchweek 2 in LaLiga takes us to the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain, where the home team, Real Sociedad, gear up to host the Catalan outfit, Espanyol, for a thrilling clash.

The Blue and Whites are led by Spanish gaffer Sergio Francisco, who secured a promotion to the senior team after some brilliant performances with the reserves team. Last season, they finished 11th in the La Liga but managed to enter the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. In the Europa League‘s round of 16, Manchester United demolished their continental hopes.

Espanyol, on the other hand, are also led by someone who comes after spending a lot of time with the reserves team. Spanish gaffer Manolo Gonzalez is a popular figure in Spanish football. The four-time Copa del Rey winners had a terrible campaign last season and will be looking forward to grabbing a win in the next game.

Kick-off:

• Location: San Sebastian, Spain
• Stadium: Reale Arena
• Date: Sunday, August 24
• Kick-off time: 11:00 p.m. IST / 5:30 p.m. GMT / 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Alejandro Quintero González
• VAR: In use

🏠 Football returns home this Sunday. pic.twitter.com/g6u9eNg7Vz

— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) August 19, 2025

Form:

Real Sociedad: D

Espanyol: W

Players to Watch

Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)

Sociedad’s captain and a living legend at San Sebastian, Oyarzabal, will eye the first win for Real Sociedad after a draw in their league season opener. The Eibar-born striker has previously won the Copa del Rey with Sociedad in 2020 after scoring the winner, and was also part of Spain’s Euro-winning team.

Roberto Fernandez (Espanyol)

The 23-year-old Spanish striker from Andalusia has featured for the Barcelona reserves and Malaga before being loaned to Espanyol. After his impressive stint at the RCDE Stadium, he was offered a permanent contract recently. He would be hoping to make the most of his time at Catalonia.

Match Facts

• Real Sociedad drew 1-1 with Valencia in their opening game.
• They will miss Jon Gorrotxategi due to an ankle injury.
• Espanyol beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 after coming from behind.

Real Sociedad vs Espanyol: Betting Tips and Odds

• Real Sociedad to win @ –165 Bet365
• Under 2.5 goals: No
• Both Teams to Score: Yes

Injury and Team News

Real Sociedad will miss Jon Gorrotxategi, who is still recovering from an ankle injury and remains unavailable for selection.

Espanyol have no injury concerns or suspensions and will travel with a full-strength squad at their disposal.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 160

Real Sociedad wins: 64

Draws: 44

Espanyol wins: 52

Predicted Lineups

Real Sociedad predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Remiro (GK); Aramburu, Aguerd, Elustondo, J. López; Sucic, Zubimendi, Olasagasti; Sergio Gómez, Oyarzabal, Becker

Espanyol predicted lineup (4-3-3)

J. García (GK); Olíván, Cabrera, Kumbulla, El Hilali; Tejero, Kral, Puado; Lozano, R. Fernández, Jofre

Match Prediction

Real Sociedad will have that home advantage, and San Sebastian is expected to be filled in large numbers. Despite Espanyol coming after a win over Atleti, we expect the home side to emerge victorious.

Prediction: Real Sociedad 3-1 Espanyol

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

UK: Premier Sports

USA: ESPN+

Nigeria: SuperSport

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