🏏 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 14:00 CEST
Real Sociedad
vs
Deportivo Alavés
4-2-3-1 vs 5-3-2
Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- This Basque derby sees 7th-placed Real Sociedad (41pts) host 15th-placed Alaves (32pts). Sociedad are chasing a European spot, while Alaves sit just 3 points above the relegation zone (Elche on 29pts), making this a match where three points carry different weight for each side.
- Alaves won the reverse fixture 1-0 in Round 15. Sociedad will be seeking revenge on home turf at the Reale Arena and looking to set the record straight in this season's head-to-head.
- Both sides line up in a 4-4-2 mirror formation. The midfield battle across the four-man lines will be crucial, particularly the wide duels. Watch whether Sociedad's Barrenetxea and Brais Méndez can use width to break down Alaves' defensive block.
- Alaves starter Jon Guridi is a product of Real Sociedad's academy, making this a return to his former home. On the bench, Jon Pacheco (a Paris Olympics gold medallist) is on loan from Sociedad, and Guevara is another Sociedad alumnus — a cluster of former Txuri-urdin players in the visiting squad.
- Sociedad's front two pairs Óskarsson with Sučić. Iceland captain Óskarsson brings hold-up play with his 186cm frame, while Croatia international Sučić offers left-footed creativity — their combination will be key to unlocking Alaves' defence.
- Takefusa Kubo starts on the bench. Sociedad's recent form (WLWLW) has been inconsistent, and Kubo could be deployed as an impact substitute to change the game's flow. His left-footed dribbling and final ball could prove decisive against a tiring Alaves backline.
- Alaves' strike partnership of Diabaté and Toni Martínez brings aerial power — Diabaté (185cm, Swedish league golden boot winner) and Martínez (187cm, four years at Porto) are both strong in the air, posing a set-piece threat. How Sociedad's CB Ćaleta-Car handles the aerial battle will be key.
- Sociedad captain and EURO 2024 final goalscorer Oyarzabal is named among the substitutes rather than starting. Whether his absence from the XI affects Sociedad's attacking rhythm, and when he might be introduced, are worth monitoring.
- Alaves' recent form reads LLDWD from their last five matches, with a season record of 8 wins, 8 draws, and 14 defeats from 30 games. Needing points for survival even away from home, manager Coudet's tactical approach will be one to watch.