Preview: Real Sociedad vs Girona – prediction, team news, lineups

December 12, 2025 ELEANOR WHITFORD (News) News

Girona Seek Vital Points in Relegation Battle Against Real Sociedad

SAN SEBASTIÁN, Spain – Girona faces a crucial test of its La Liga survival hopes Friday evening when it travels to Real Sociedad, a team grappling with its own mid-season slump. The Catalan club currently occupies the 18th and final relegation spot in the Spanish top flight, two points adrift of safety, while Real Sociedad sits comfortably in 14th, though a recent downturn in form has raised concerns.

A Tale of Two Trajectories

The contrast between the two clubs’ seasons is stark. Girona, after a remarkable third-place finish in 2023-24 that secured a coveted Champions League berth, has endured a dramatic fall from grace. Their current campaign has been plagued by defensive vulnerabilities – conceding a league-worst 29 goals in 15 matches – and a struggle to consistently find the back of the net. Only 13 goals scored highlight a significant offensive shortfall.

Real Sociedad, meanwhile, entered the season with aspirations of challenging for European qualification once more. However, a mere four league wins and a recent 1-0 defeat to local rivals Alavés have dampened those ambitions. Despite a relatively strong run of form in all competitions over the past two months – winning five of their last nine – consistency remains elusive for La Real.

Sergio Francisco, Real Sociedad’s head coach, acknowledges the team’s struggles. “We are not where we want to be in the table,” Francisco stated in a recent press conference. “We need to rediscover our form and consistency, especially at home, where we should be stronger.”

Injury Woes Complicate Matters for Both Sides

Both teams are contending with significant injury lists, adding another layer of complexity to Friday’s encounter. Real Sociedad will be without key players including Orri Oskarsson, Mikel Oyarzabal, Igor Zubeldia, Yangel Herrera, and several others. The absence of Oyarzabal, a prolific goalscorer, is particularly damaging to their attacking options.

Girona’s medical room is equally crowded, with Donny van de Beek, Cristhian Stuani, Abel Ruiz, and several defenders sidelined. However, the return of Azzedine Ounahi from suspension provides a much-needed boost to their midfield.

The global impact of sports injuries is substantial. According to the World Health Organization, injuries are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and sports-related injuries contribute significantly to this burden. The financial implications for clubs, too, are considerable, with player wages and medical expenses adding up quickly.

Historical Trends Favor Real Sociedad

History heavily favors Real Sociedad in this fixture. Girona has not defeated La Real since February 2010, a stretch of 10 matches. Their last encounter saw Real Sociedad emerge victorious with a 3-2 scoreline. At home, Real Sociedad has secured 10 points from seven league matches this season, while Girona has struggled on the road, earning only three points from seven away fixtures.

This historical dominance, combined with Girona’s current form, makes Real Sociedad the clear favorites. However, Girona’s desperation to escape the relegation zone could provide them with the motivation to defy the odds.

The Weight of Relegation

The stakes are particularly high for Girona. Relegation from La Liga carries significant financial consequences, impacting everything from broadcasting revenue to player valuations. Beyond the financial implications, relegation can also have a devastating effect on a club’s morale and long-term prospects.

“Every game is a final for us now,” said Girona manager Michel in a recent interview. “We know the situation we are in, and we are fighting for our lives. We need to show courage, determination, and belief in ourselves.”

The pressure is also mounting on Real Sociedad to improve their performance. While they are not in immediate danger of relegation, a continued slump could see them slide further down the table and jeopardize their chances of securing a European spot next season.

Looking Ahead: A Tight Contest Expected

Despite their respective challenges, both teams possess enough quality to make this a closely contested match. Real Sociedad’s home advantage and historical record give them the edge, but Girona’s desperation and the return of Ounahi could make them a difficult opponent. A draw appears a likely outcome, with both sides potentially settling for a point in a game laden with pressure and significance.

Real Sociedad possible starting lineup: Remiro; Aramburu, Martin, Elustondo, Gomez; Kubo, Gorrotxategi, Soler, Guedes; Barrenetxea, Mendez

Girona possible starting lineup: Gazzaniga; Frances, Reis, Blind, Moreno; Ounahi, Witsel, Martin; Tsygankov, Vanat, Gil

ARTICOL ORIGINAL:

Girona will be bidding to escape the relegation zone in Spain’s top flight when they continue their 2025-26 campaign away to Real Sociedad on Friday evening.

The Catalan side are currently 18th in the La Liga table, two points behind 17th-placed Mallorca, while the hosts are 14th, four points above their opponents in this match.

Match preview

There is no getting away from the fact that it has been a disappointing La Liga campaign for Real Sociedad to date, with 16 points from 15 matches leaving them down in 14th spot in the table.

The Basque outfit have only won four times in La Liga this term, while they will enter the match off the back of a 1-0 defeat to local rivals Alaves.

Sergio Francisco’s side have actually been on a relatively strong run over the last couple of months, though, winning five of their last nine matches in all competitions, losing just twice.

Real Sociedad have picked up 10 points from their seven home league matches this season, and they will be welcoming a Girona outfit that have only three points from their seven away fixtures.

La Real have won their last two matches against Girona, including a 3-2 success in the corresponding game last season, and they are unbeaten against the Catalan side since February 2010.

Girona’s winless run against Real Sociedad stands at 10 matches, although six of those fixtures have finished all square, so it could be a close match on Friday night.

The Catalan outfit have a record of two wins, six draws and seven defeats from their 15 league games this season, with 12 points leaving them in 18th spot in the table, two points behind Mallorca in 17th.

Michel’s side have only found the back of the net on 13 occasions, while they have the worst defensive record in the division with 29 conceded, so it is not difficult to understand why it has been a difficult campaign to date for the club.

Girona will enter this match off the back of a 3-0 defeat to Elche, while they have not been victorious in Spain’s top flight since a home success over Alaves on November 8.

The Catalan side famously finished third in 2023-24 to qualify for the Champions League, but they ended the 2024-25 campaign down in 16th, just one point above the relegation zone.

Real Sociedad La Liga form:

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Real Sociedad form (all competitions):

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Girona La Liga form:

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Girona form (all competitions):

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Team News

Real Sociedad remain without the services of a number of important players, with Orri Oskarsson, Mikel Oyarzabal, Igor Zubeldia, Yangel Herrera, Inaki Ruperez. Luken Beitia and Alex Lebarbier in the treatment room.

Head coach Francisco is unlikely to shuffle his pack despite the disappointment of the defeat to Alaves last time out, but there could be a change in the final third of the field, with Ander Barrenetxea potentially coming in for Umar Sadiq.

Brais Mendez started in a forward area against Alaves, and that is again expected to be the case here, with the absences of Oyarzabal and Oskarsson particularly damaging.

As for Girona, Donny van de Beek, Cristhian Stuani, Abel Ruiz, Portu, Juan Carlos, David Lopez, Ricard Artero and Vladyslav Krapyvtsov are all injured.

However, there will be a return to the squad for Azzedine Ounahi, with the midfielder serving a suspension in the clash with Elche last time out.

There are unlikely to be any surprises in the final third of the field, with Vladyslav Vanat, who has scored three times in La Liga this season, set to lead the line.

Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:

Remiro; Aramburu, Martin, Elustondo, Gomez; Kubo, Gorrotxategi, Soler, Guedes; Barrenetxea, Mendez

Girona possible starting lineup:

Gazzaniga; Frances, Reis, Blind, Moreno; Ounahi, Witsel, Martin; Tsygankov, Vanat, Gil

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We say: Real Sociedad 1-1 Girona

Both sides have significant injury problems at this moment in time, which will certainly have an impact in this match. On home soil, Real Sociedad are the favourites, but we believe that Girona will be able to battle their way to a point.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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