Key Facts
- Real Sociedad is the clear favorite at the Reale Arena; Coach Matarazzo remains undefeated in both the league and the cup – strong home advantage.
- Levante is in good form: eight points from four games under Luís Castro; Carlos Espí has scored six times in those four matches.
- Real will be without regular starters Odriozola and Herrera; the offensive burden falls on Kubo, Barrenetxea, and Oyarzabal.
- The last five head-to-head matches have all ended with under 3.5 goals and four of them with a one-goal margin – close matches are typical.
- Real’s last five games have produced a total of 14 goals; Levante has scored more than 1.5 goals in all five of their most recent league games – a tendency toward high-scoring matches.
- Levante has conceded goals in four of their last five matches, sits 14 points behind the relegation safety zone, and will likely have to take offensive risks.
Real Sociedad returns to the Reale Arena, where Pellegrino Matarazzo remains unbeaten in both league and cup play. Levante arrives in the midst of its strongest stretch of the season under Luís Castro, and Carlos Espí is providing a noticeable boost. The first leg in December 2025 ended 1-1. Real is three points behind Celta Vigo, while Levante is fighting to escape the relegation zone.
- Venue: Reale Arena, San Sebastian
- Date and time: April 4, 2026, 2:00 PM
- Competition: La Liga (Matchday 30)
The bookmakers see Real Sociedad as clear home favorites, which aligns with the Anoeta statistics, the Basques’ scoring prowess in recent matches, and Levante’s defensive vulnerability. Interestingly, Levante’s resurgence under Luís Castro, Carlos Espí’s hot streak, and the possible return of Carlos Álvarez suggest that goals could be scored by both sides.
Real Sociedad Form & Record Check
Real Sociedad went into the break with a bitter taste in their mouths. In their 1-3 loss at Villarreal, they were already down by three goals after just 23 minutes; Luka Sucic’s goal was at least a small sign of life, but the damage had long since been done. This start was far below what Matarazzo expects from a team aiming for European qualification. Things look much brighter at home. Real recently beat Osasuna 3-1 and Athletic Club 1-0 at the Reale Arena, and under Matarazzo, the team has shown a certain stability even during less fluid phases. They have scored in each of their last five games, with Mikel Oyarzabal and their threat from distance serving as reliable weapons. One concern remains, however: Real too rarely picks up the necessary points against teams from the lower half of the table, and the squad situation this week provides additional cause for concern. Álvaro Odriozola and Yangel Herrera are out, and Jon Gorrotxategi is questionable.
This makes the attacking quality of Takefusa Kubo, Ander Barrenetxea, and Brais Méndez more important than ever.
A familiar 4-2-3-1 formation is expected, though this is only a prediction. Álex Remiro is likely to start in goal, with a back four consisting of Jon Aramburu, Aritz Elustondo, Jon Martín, and Sergio Gómez. In defensive midfield, Beñat Turrientes and Carlos Soler are expected to stabilize the build-up play. Further up the field, Takefusa Kubo, Brais Méndez, and Ander Barrenetxea are expected to play behind Mikel Oyarzabal, provided Matarazzo sticks to his usual starting lineup. Álvaro Odriozola and Yangel Herrera are out, Jon Gorrotxategi hasn’t trained, and the delayed return of Duje Caleta-Car, Luka Sucic, and Gonçalo Guedes should ensure that this projected starting lineup remains largely unchanged.
Levante Form & Record Check
Levante came out of their last league match with real momentum, a 4-2 win over Oviedo in a game that once again revolved around Carlos Espí. His early brace set the tone, and Iván Romero’s late goal underscored that this team is now attacking with more conviction and less hesitation than just a few months ago. This development isn’t based on a single afternoon. Luís Castro picked up eight points from the four games before the break, including a solid win against Alavés and draws against Girona and Rayo Vallecano. Just as important: Levante has scored in four of their last five league games, meaning the burden no longer rests solely on Mathew Ryan. Nevertheless, avoiding relegation remains a tough task, and this away trip fits right into the difficult final stretch that lies ahead for the club. The defense has conceded goals in four of the last five games, which is why the possible return of Carlos Álvarez and the growing influence of Jon Ander Olasagasti could be so crucial. Levante looks better organized than it has recently, but the attacking players need to deliver.
Levante UD is likely to stick with the 4-1-4-1 formation that Luís Castro has consistently favored so far, though this is, of course, just an assessment. Mathew Ryan should start in goal, with Jeremy Toljan, Adrián Dela, Alan Matturro, and Manu Sánchez in front of him, while Oriol Rey is expected to play as a defensive midfielder, both shoring up the back line and organizing the initial build-up play. Should Carlos Álvarez be ready to start following his gradual return to team training, he could feature as a link-up player between the lines, flanked by Jon Ander Olasagasti and Iker Losada, who will support Carlos Espí, who is currently in fine goal-scoring form. Roger Brugué is likely to be out, making Kareem Tunde an obvious alternative on the wing.
Real Sociedad – Levante Head-to-Head & Stats
The last five head-to-head matches are almost perfectly split: two wins for Real Sociedad, two for Levante, and one draw. The most recent encounter ended 1-1 in December 2025. What stands out even more than the balance is the scoring pattern. Real has scored in all five matches and in each of the last three before halftime. Furthermore, the games have always remained tightly controlled. All five encounters ended with under 3.5 goals, four of which were one-goal games or draws. Real’s two wins in 2021 were both 1-0 victories, one of them courtesy of Ander Barrenetxea. Levante’s wins in 2022 and 2020, on the other hand, both came in front of their home crowd, highlighting just how much home advantage plays a role in this rivalry.
