One of the most anticipated matches of LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 33 kicks off in San Sebastián: Real Sociedad hosts Getafe at the Reale Arena. The game carries special significance for both teams — Real Sociedad has already secured a place in the Europa League thanks to its Cup victory but is now aiming for a spot in the Champions League. Getafe, meanwhile, is in direct contention for a place in European competitions and could catch up with Celta on points with a win.
Bets and expectations
Both coaches have chosen to field their strongest lineups. Bordalás has started David Soria, Kiko Femenía, Abqar, Djené, Boselli, Iglesias, Mario Martín, Luis Milla, Arambarri, Satriano, and Luis Vázquez. Getafe is counting on the attacking partnership of Satriano and Luis Vázquez to increase pressure on the opposition defense. Real Sociedad has also made some changes, leaving only three players from the Cup final winning team in the starting eleven — Jon Martín, Caleta-Car, and Carlos Soler. The other positions are filled by Remiro, Aihen, Elustondo, Gorrotxategi, Take, Brais Méndez, Pablo Marín, and Oskarsson.
Key players and statistics
Special attention is on Mikel Oyarzabal, who has scored seven goals against Getafe in LaLiga — only Celta de Vigo and Athletic Club have conceded more to him. Among the visitors, Luis Milla stands out: in the 2025/26 season, he trails only Lamine from Barça in assists, and he is the top assist-provider away from home in the league. Getafe goalkeeper David Soria continues to make history — he is now the second goalkeeper in LaLiga history for penalties saved (13).
Coaching records and referees
The home stadium remains a good luck charm for Real Sociedad coach Pellegrino Matarazzo: he has not lost any of his eight matches in San Sebastián (5 wins, 3 draws). In the 21st century, only Raynald Denoueix started better, going unbeaten in his first 24 home games. The match will be officiated by Mateo Busquets, with Mario Melero overseeing the VAR system.
Head-to-head history and tournament intrigue
Getafe’s last visit to San Sebastián ended with a convincing 3-0 victory for the visitors. Overall, the home match statistics between Real Sociedad and Getafe are almost even: six wins for the hosts, six draws, and five defeats. With the intense competition for European spots, any mistake can be costly, and Real Sociedad’s recent Cup win adds intrigue—the team could be vulnerable after celebrating the trophy.
Attention to the starting line-ups and unexpected decisions by the coaches has become one of the main topics in other matches this season as well. For example, in a recent meeting in London, fans were surprised by the starting line-ups of Arsenal and Sporting, which was covered in detail in the article about the unexpected choice of players before the match in London.
The match between Real Sociedad and Getafe kicks off at 20:00 local time. The game promises to be one of the key fixtures in the race for European competitions and could influence the standings at the top of the LaLiga EA Sports table.
