Struggling Real Sociedad host high-flying Real Madrid in Liga F clash
On Saturday, September 26, Real Sociedad and Real Madrid meet at Zubieta in matchday five of Spain's Liga F, with bottom-of-the-table Sociedad seeking to end a long winless run against one of the league's strongest sides.
The match and context
On Saturday at 12:00, Real Sociedad and Real Madrid's women's teams meet at Zubieta in San Sebastián for matchday five of Spain's Liga F (Liga Iberdrola). Real Sociedad, coached by Gorka Álvarez, come into the game after returning from Edinburgh, where the club made its debut in the UEFA Women's Europa Cup with a goalless draw against Heart of Midlothian, in which the Basque side created the clearer chances. In their previous league outing, Real Sociedad drew with Badalona.
According to 365Scores, the two sides arrive in sharply contrasting form: Real Sociedad have collected just two points, while Real Madrid have ten. With Barcelona setting the pace on a perfect record, Real Madrid also have little room for error.
Real Sociedad's difficult spell
Diario AS reports that Real Sociedad have gone seven matches without a win overall - after four consecutive defeats at the start of the season, the team has since put together three straight draws. The situation has been complicated further by the departure of former coach Arturo Ruiz shortly before the season began. AS also states that young forward Carlota Chacón was injured during the Europa Cup match and that the worst-case scenario has been confirmed: a torn anterior cruciate ligament, ruling her out of the match. This detail appears only in AS's report; Real Sociedad's own preview of the game does not mention it.
Real Madrid's caution
Real Madrid coach Quesada, according to AS, warned that the opponent should not be underestimated, noting that Real Sociedad have brought in talented new players and are gaining international experience. Real Madrid face a demanding week ahead, with a Champions League match against Manchester City and the "Clásico" against Barcelona at Camp Nou both following this fixture. Quesada is expected to rest some players, though not many, and forward Athenea could feature in the starting lineup.
A discrepancy over the venue
Real Sociedad's own statement says the match will be held at the club's Zubieta training complex, but 365Scores lists the venue as "Estadio Izan," with a capacity of around 4,000 spectators - a detail that differs from the club's own information, so the exact venue may vary depending on the source. In Spain, the match will be broadcast on DAZN and Movistar Plus+.
