Real Sociedad – Girona
Imanol Alguacil will lead his team onto the pitch at the Reale Arena for the last time when Real Sociedad host FC Girona on Sunday in the 37th matchday of the Primera División. Both teams have long since secured their place in the league, but the coach’s departure adds emotional weight to the duel. Real are in 12th place with 43 points, while Girona are two points behind in 14th. In direct comparison, La Real are unbeaten in competitive games, with the first leg ending 1-0 for the Basques. While the hosts have not scored in their last two games, Míchel’s side travel with a newfound ease after a hard-fought 1-0 win in Valladolid, which could open up opportunities for rotation and young faces.
Real Sociedad – Girona info
- Venue: Reale Arena, Donostia-San Sebastián
- Date and time: May 18, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
- Competition: Primera División (Matchday 37)
Real Sociedad form & record check
Girona has recently found its footing, but remains economical in front of goal. The team has won two games 1-0, drawn one 1-1 and lost two of its last five matches, with under 2.5 goals scored in four of those games. The defense is more stable, with 80% of these games seeing fewer than 1.5 goals in each half. Míchel still has work to do, though, with Bryan Gil (torn ligament) and Donny van de Beek out long term, meaning Oriol Romeu and Arthur are likely to anchor the midfield again. With 41 points, Girona is in 14th place, two points ahead of Getafe – so the situation is not entirely worry-free, even if the cushion below them provides some breathing room.
Real Sociedad are likely to line up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation: Remiro, Traoré, Elustondo, Zubeldia, Javi López, with Zubimendi and Pablo Marín in front of them. Kubo, Brais Méndez, and Sergio Gómez will support captain Oyarzabal. Muñoz is suspended after picking up a yellow card, while Zakharyan is still struggling with a muscle injury.
Girona are also likely to stick with their 4-2-3-1 formation. Gazzaniga will start in goal, with Blind and David López organizing the defense and Asprilla and Portu operating on the flanks. Oriol Romeu and Arthur will anchor the midfield, while Iván Martín could take on the role of the number ten. Abel Ruiz is a sure starter up front. Donny van de Beek remains unavailable.
Girona form & record check
In the last five direct encounters, Real Sociedad recorded two wins and three draws, while Girona are still waiting for their first victory. Goals are in short supply: in 80% of these encounters, the second halves ended with less than 1.5 goals. However, both teams have scored at least once in each of their last three meetings, which suggests that they are capable of creating chances but lack sustained pressure. Given the form of both teams, we can expect a tactically cautious game in which security in build-up play will be a priority for long periods.
The betting markets reflect the lack of goals. In four of Girona’s last five games and in all of Real Sociedad’s recent matches, a bet on under 2.5 goals would have paid off. In addition, La Real has drawn 80% of their games after the break, which is why a half-time draw remains an attractive option. With both teams going into the game without any immediate pressure and personnel shortages making creative solutions difficult, a draw also has value.
H2H Real Sociedad – Girona Head-to-head comparison & statistics
In the last five head-to-head matches, Real Sociedad has won twice, while Girona is still waiting for its first win. Three matches ended in a draw. The last meeting in October 2024 ended in a 1-0 away win for Real Sociedad – a sign that they have been in charge in recent encounters.
Interestingly, goals do not tend to come thick and fast in this fixture, with 80% of games seeing fewer than 1.5 goals, especially in the second half. However, Real Sociedad have scored at least one goal in their last three games against Girona, as have Girona – both teams with a clear scoring streak.
What also catches the eye is that Real Sociedad has not lost a single game in the last direct series, and Girona has never managed to secure a victory. Overall, therefore, the Basques have a slight advantage, but the duel is not completely one-sided, not least because Girona has always been able to strike back.
