Real Sociedad decides the fate of outsiders in the final stretch of La Liga. Real Sociedad faces Girona amid a five-game winless streak. The Catalans are fighting to avoid relegation, while the Basques aim to regain momentum after their Cup success. Both teams are entering decisive weeks ahead.
La Liga enters a decisive phase: Real Sociedad is playing away today against Girona, who are in the relegation zone. For the Basque club, this match is a chance to break a five-game winless streak, while for the Catalan side it’s an opportunity to keep their survival hopes alive. In the remaining rounds, Real Sociedad will face three teams fighting to stay in the top flight, making them a key player in the season’s finale.
Unlike the tense atmosphere at the Sánchez Pizjuán stadium, the support in Girona is expected to be less intense. Nevertheless, Real Sociedad must show maximum focus and intensity to withstand the hosts’ motivation, as every point is crucial for them. As of yesterday, five clubs had 39 points, with Girona in the worst position among them.
Recent weeks have been tough for Matarazzo’s team: since beating Levante on April 4, the Basques haven’t won a single match. Their games against Alavés and Rayo Vallecano ended in high-scoring 3–3 draws, while against Getafe and Sevilla, Real Sociedad lost by a single goal and failed to score. The match against Betis also finished in a draw, and the team managed just two points from a possible fifteen.
The coaching staff continues to rotate the lineup, taking into account that the team has already secured participation in European competitions next season. However, despite having achieved their objectives, the team cannot afford to lose its match sharpness. Over the next eight days, Real Sociedad will play three matches, forcing Matarazzo to find a balance between the starting eleven and reserves. Guedes remains in the infirmary, having only just resumed training with the group, while Zubeldia and Karrikaburu return to the squad after a long absence.
In defense, Aramburu is expected to return after serving his suspension, while on the left flank, there could be rotation between Gómez and Aihen. Changes are also likely in midfield: Turrientes may get a chance after missing the last round, while Soler, despite a dip in form, remains a key player. Among the alternatives are Gorrotxategi and Yangel, for whom the match in Girona has particular significance.
Changes are possible in attack: Sucic, who impressed in the match against Betis, could start from the opening minutes, while Marín may strengthen the right flank. If Kubo starts the game on the bench, the coach will retain attacking options for the second half.
Despite personnel losses (Ter Stegen, Van de Beek, Vanat, Portu), Girona will field its strongest lineup. Ounahi plays a key role, while Stuani continues to score important goals. In the context of the fierce battle for survival, every result can prove decisive.
Interest in the end of the La Liga season is fueled not only by the fight for survival but also by other intense storylines. Recently, the authorities of the Canary Islands and Madrid found themselves at the center of a conflict over a vessel with Hantavirus patients — details of this incident can be found in the report about the confrontation between regional and central authorities.
In the coming days, Real Sociedad will face Valencia and wrap up the season with a match against Espanyol. Both opponents are also fighting to remain in the league, making each meeting crucial for the final standings at the bottom of the table.
