🏏 Sat, 23 May 2026 21:00 CEST
Espanyol
vs
Real Sociedad
4-4-2 vs 4-4-2
Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- A final-matchday mid-table meeting between Espanyol (12th, 44 points) and Real Sociedad (10th, 45 points). Both sides have already secured survival and are out of the European race, making this a contest for pride to round off the season. Espanyol are picking up form with two straight wins, recording a 2-0 win over Athletic on matchday 36 and a 1-2 away win at Osasuna on matchday 37.
- Real Sociedad have been kept from victory with three draws and two losses in their last five, notably suffering a 3-4 home comeback defeat to Valencia on matchday 37 that exposed the defensive frailty that has been their problem this season. With 58 goals scored and 59 conceded, their record is unbalanced, and a goal difference of -1 is underwhelming for a mid-table side.
- In this season's matchday 2 meeting, the sides drew 2-2 at Real Sociedad. This is Espanyol's final home game of the season at the RCDE Stadium, and with Catalan derby rivals Barcelona having clinched the title, they will want to sign off with a win to show their pride.
- Espanyol line up in a 4-2-3-1, with a double pivot providing defensive stability while the attacking midfielder and wingers support the front line. They have defensive concerns with 42 goals scored and 54 conceded this season, but at home they have a respectable record of 12 wins, 8 draws and 16 losses.
- Real Sociedad maintain an attacking 4-3-3, with hopes pinned on build-up from midfield and the individual skill of their front three. As a distinguished Basque club, they will want to play attractive passing football even on the final day and put in a performance to dispel this season's disappointment.
- This is a match that lays the groundwork for next season for both sides, with the possibility of fielding young players and testing new tactics. Espanyol have gone without a major trophy since their 2000 Copa del Rey win, but a final-day victory carries real meaning as they assert their presence in their home city of Barcelona.