Real Sociedad and Atlético Madrid go head-to-head in a crucial La Liga encounter on Sunday evening.
Atletico Madrid will look to continue their recent winning streak and improve their head-to-head record against Real Sociedad, which has seen them undefeated in their last eight matches against Sociedad.
Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 4th January.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Estadio Municipal de Aneota, Donostia-San Sebastian.
Real Sociedad team news
Real Sociedad will be under new management for the first time this season, with American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo taking charge of his inaugural match with the Basque club.
The 48-year-old was appointed on December 20, 2025, following Sergio Francisco’s departure, and will have his first opportunity to implement his tactical vision against a formidable opponent.
The hosts face significant defensive challenges, with centre-back Igor Zubeldia and midfielder Jon Gorrotxategi both sidelined through suspensions, creating a considerable void in the squad’s spine.
Additionally, midfielder Yangel Herrera remains a doubt due to a soleus injury, though there is positive news regarding Mikel Oyarzabal’s recovery from his hamstring issue. The captain returned to action in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Levante and is expected to lead the line for Matarazzo’s debut.
Ander Barrenetxea is also facing a late fitness test after a soleus injury, but should Oyarzabal remain unavailable, the club would be left short in attacking options.
Atletico Madrid team news
Atletico Madrid arrives in San Sebastián with their own injury concerns, though their attacking weaponry remains largely intact.
Clément Lenglet continues his recovery from a knee injury and will not be available for selection. Nicolás González faces a late fitness assessment after a hamstring complaint.
Despite these concerns, Diego Simeone’s squad maintain their attacking potency, with Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sørloth, and Antoine Griezmann providing proven goalscoring threats. Griezmann has been particularly prolific in recent weeks, having netted in Atlético’s commanding victory over Girona in their last match of 2025.
Form
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad have endured a challenging first half of the season, with the club managing just one victory in their last six league matches. Their record of four wins from seventeen matches has left them in 16th position with 17 points in 17 matches. Recent fixtures have yielded mixed results: a 1-1 draw with relegation-battlers Levante, a 1-2 home loss to Girona, and a 0-1 defeat at Alavés.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have recovered from a difficult start to the campaign and now sit in fourth position with 37 points, 12 points behind leaders Barcelona with a game in hand.
Diego Simeone’s side have won eight of their last ten La Liga matches, demonstrating the consistency and quality that has defined his tenure.
Their most recent outing saw them dismantle Girona 3-0, with Koke producing a stunning 25-yard strike, whilst substitute goals from Conor Gallagher and Antoine Griezmann sealed a comprehensive victory.
Predicted lineups
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Aramburu, Caleta-Car, Martin, Munoz; Soler, Marin; Kubo, Mendez, Oyarzabal; Guedes.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Pubill, Hancko; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Baena; Sorloth, Alvarez.
How to watch Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid?
UK fans can watch the match on Premier Sports.
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