Osasuna vs. Real Sociedad at Estadio El Sadar is less of a stage for big dreams this time and more of a stress test for two Basque neighbors who are underperforming. Osasuna are 16th in the table with 11 points, Real Sociedad are 14th with 13 points, both with a negative goal difference and closer to the relegation zone than to the European places.
Their recent form underscores this: Osasuna lost 1-0 in Seville and has won only one of its last five league games. Real Sociedad drew 1-1 at Elche just under two weeks ago, with captain Mikel Oyarzabal saving the point with a late penalty. The mood is correspondingly subdued, with neither club really feeling euphoric.
Individually, Mikel Oyarzabal stands out for the visitors. With five goals this season, he is Real Sociedad’s most important offensive player and often makes the difference in close games. Osasuna, on the other hand, tends to rely on a stable defense and effectiveness in set pieces.
In a direct comparison, Osasuna has had the upper hand recently: the last three competitive games against Real Sociedad went to the hosts from Pamplona, most recently a 2-1 win in the league in February. Real Sociedad made a statement in October with a 2-0 win in a friendly, but Osasuna currently has the upper hand in competitive matches. There have been no draws in the last five encounters, with both teams scoring quite frequently, but the games tend to be low-scoring, with two or three goals being the norm.
Tactically, both teams need stability above all else. Osasuna will try to stay compact in front of their home crowd and hit back on the counterattack. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, will be looking for more punch from midfield and more precision in front of goal. Set pieces and late scenes such as penalties could therefore prove decisive
- Venue: Estadio El Sadar, Pamplona
- Date and time: November 22, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
- Competition: La Liga (matchday 13)
The bookmakers see a largely open game, but Real Sociedad has a slight advantage with odds of around 2.8. Interestingly, this fits with the form: the visitors are unbeaten in five league games, with three wins and two draws, and they have scored in each of those games. They are particularly dangerous after the break, scoring in the second half in 80% of those games.
Osasuna, on the other hand, are in a results crisis. Two defeats in a row and three losses from their last four league games, each by a narrow 1-0 margin, speak for themselves. Home advantage at El Sadar remains a factor, but so far it has not been enough to mask their poor results.
Both teams have been scoring regularly lately. Real Sociedad has conceded goals in four of its last five games. Osasuna scored against Celta Vigo, among others, and made a statement in the cup with a 5-0 win over CD Sant Jordi. Therefore, there are many indications that both teams will score: Yes.
The betting picture is as follows: Real Sociedad to win is the value bet, as the visitors are clearly in better form. Those looking for more security should go for the double chance X2, i.e. Real Sociedad to win or draw. The absence of Yangel Herrera could weaken the visitors’ defense somewhat, but Real Sociedad’s offensive quality and consistency continue to speak in their favor.
Osasuna form & record check
Osasuna is going through a difficult phase. In their last four league games, the team has only picked up one point, a 0-0 draw at Oviedo. Before and after that, they suffered several narrow defeats, most recently a 1-0 loss in Seville. Especially against opponents of similar strength, they lack offensive punch. Their 5-0 cup win against CD Sant Jordi remains an exception and only partially masks their ongoing problems.
Defensively, Osasuna shows stability, especially in the first half, and rarely concedes goals. Problems arise after the break, with games rarely being turned around or kept stable, as was the case in the 2-3 defeat to Celta Vigo and the 0-1 defeats to Atletico and Sevilla.
Alessio Lisci’s team is in 16th place in the table with 11 points, just one point ahead of Valencia. The gap to the non-relegation places is small. The bottom line is that the defensive foundations are there, but the team lacks offensive power and consistency over the full 90 minutes.
There are no specific names or an exact formation available in the current material regarding Osasuna’s expected line-up. The only thing that is clear is that, as usual, the starting eleven will only be officially confirmed shortly before kick-off, which means that tactical details can only be assessed in general terms at this stage.
Real Sociedad form & record check
Real Sociedad currently occupies 14th place in La Liga with 13 points, sharing this tally with Celta Vigo. Despite their rather low position, the team is unbeaten in five league games, with three wins and two draws, and is thus showing stable form.
This run includes a 1-1 draw at Elche, secured by a penalty from captain Mikel Oyarzabal in the 89th minute, as well as important wins such as a 3-2 victory in the Basque Country derby against Athletic Club and a 2-1 win against Sevilla. Real Sociedad has scored at least one goal in all five of its most recent matches, suggesting a solid offensive performance.
Their strengths and weaknesses are clearly distinct. The team is potent in attack, with Oyarzabal playing a central role in front of goal with five goals so far this season. However, there are doubts about their defense, with Real Sociedad conceding goals in four of their last five games, contributing to a negative goal difference of minus three. Especially away from home, they occasionally lack the final touch in defense.
Coach Sergio Francisco will also have to do without Yangel Herrera, who has a calf injury, while Orri Óskarsson is out until the end of December with thigh problems. Additional options in midfield and attack would be helpful in order to cope with the busy schedule and extend the positive phase. With a more stable defense, Real Sociedad could use their current form to pull further away from the bottom of the table.
Real Sociedad are expected to line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation. Coach Sergio Francisco will have to do without Yangel Herrera, who has a calf injury, and Orri Óskarsson, who has thigh problems. Herrera’s return date is unknown, while Óskarsson is not expected back until the end of December.
In central midfield, Gorrotxategi is predicted to be the lone defensive midfielder. Ahead of him, Kubo, Méndez, Soler, and Guedes are expected to play in an attacking four, while captain Mikel Oyarzabal will take on the role of lone striker.
Remiro is expected to start in goal. The presumed back four consists of Aramburu, Zubeldia, Martín, and Sergio Gómez. This is a prediction; as usual, the final lineup will be announced shortly before kickoff.
Osasuna – Real Sociedad Head-to-head & statistics
There has not been a single draw in the last five head-to-head matches between the two clubs. Osasuna won three of those games and Real Sociedad two. Between July 2024 and February 2025, Osasuna celebrated three competitive wins in a row before Real Sociedad responded with a 2-0 victory in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals in February 2025 and also won a friendly match in October 2025 by the same score.
All five encounters produced at least two but never more than three goals. In four of these games, both teams scored, which suggests largely balanced offensive performances and mostly close games.
Osasuna has the better overall record in competitive games. Particularly noteworthy are the two La Liga duels in October 2024 (0-2) and February 2025 (2-1), both of which were won by the home team. Real Sociedad has been waiting for a league win against Osasuna for over a year.
All in all, the competitive record, combined with home advantage at El Sadar, favors Osasuna. Despite Real Sociedad’s recent successes in friendlies and cup games, Osasuna remains the slight favorite at home.
