There is only one matchday left to play in La Liga, and two teams who already know their final position will finish their campaign quietly, as Real Sociedad hosts Atlético Madrid in San Sebastián. The Basques are in a less favorable position than their opponents, securing sixth place and a spot in the Europa League, and manager Imanol Alguacil aims to end the season on a high note.
Their main source of inspiration could be their desire to get revenge against the Spanish capital team, as Sociedad hasn’t won any of the last eight Liga encounters between the two sides (3 draws, 5 losses). This streak includes a 2-1 defeat in the first leg earlier this campaign. Having lost just once in their last five outings at the Reale Arena (3 wins, 1 draw) – each win accompanied by a clean sheet – the hosts seem to have a good chance of ending this streak in this match.
The surprising 4-1 home defeat against Osasuna in the penultimate matchday means that Atlético Madrid’s visitors will finish this campaign two places higher than their opponents, with a Champions League qualification once again secured under the guidance of Diego Simeone. The goal is straightforward for the away team: secure a third consecutive away victory in the league for the first time this season and, surprisingly, for the first time since October 2022!
Atlético has just recorded two consecutive clean sheets away from home, and with seven of their twelve league victories on the road, they will undoubtedly arrive with confidence. If they need an additional reason to believe in their abilities, Simeone’s men are also unbeaten in their last three league visits to this arena (2 wins, 1 draw).
Players to watch: Mikel Oyarzabal, Sociedad’s captain, will aim to capitalize on his nine goals in La Liga this season, especially since he scored his first goal in this fixture in the first leg on his 11th attempt. Antoine Griezmann is Atlético’s standout player this season, with 24 goals in all competitions, including eight opening goals.
Hot stat: Both teams have scored in only five of Atlético’s 18 away matches in La Liga, with only Rayo Vallecano doing worse (three).
Probable Lineups
Real Sociedad : Remiro; Traore, Elustondo, Pacheco, Tierney; Merino, Turrientes, Mendez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea
Atletico Madrid : Oblak; Llorente, Witsel, Gimenez, Hermoso, Lino; De Paul, Koke, Saul; Correa, Griezmann
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