Real Sociedad and Atlético de Madrid return to the league competition after the break with the urgent need to add three points. San Sebastián will be the first test of 2026 for Cholo Simeone’s men, who dream of fighting for the league after the great streak achieved in the last games.
Cholo Simeone’s men arrive at the event full of confidence after their recent victories, which bring them closer to Real Madrid and Barcelona. At the moment, The rojiblancos have 37 points, five behind the merengue club and nine behind the blaugranas.
It is a vital match for Atleti’s aspirations, which has to add three points if it wants to continue in the fight for the competition, in addition to being a boost of morale ahead of the great derby of the Spanish Super Cup that will be played on January 8.
Doubts at Atlético de Madrid
Although the dynamic is positive, the Reale Arena is usually a challenge for the greats. That is why Simeone will need all his available troops to achieve victory. However, the rojiblancos have several casualties in the squad.
will not be Lenglet due to a high-grade knee sprain, being sidelined for at least the next month, nor Nico Gonzalezwho suffered a muscle injury in the team’s last game before the holidays.
However, the great news for the Argentine coach is the incorporation of Alex Baena. The Spaniard was injured against FC Barcelona last month, which has made him miss several league games.
However, he seems to have recovered from his discomfort and aims to return this weekend.
La Real flirts in the lower zone
For its part, Real Sociedad is not going through a good moment. The season has not started in a good way for the Basques, who see their team looking towards the relegation zone. His last victory was on November 22 against healthand since then he has only added one point.
Faced with the need to get out of the dangerous zone of the table, the club made the decision to dismiss Sergio Francisco in search of a change. Are 17 points in 17 daysjust 2 away from relegation. Therefore, this Sunday’s game is of vital importance for the Txuri-urdin.
History plays in favor of Atleti
Beyond the feelings of both teams, the history plays in favor of the red and white team. There are four wins and one draw in the last five games, while Real have not managed to beat Simeone’s team since January 2022 in the Copa del Rey.
Furthermore, they are three wins and two draws in the last five league games played in San Sebastiánwhich shows that Atleti has the measure of the Basques.
Schedule and where to watch Real Sociedad – Atlético de Madrid online TV, LaLiga match EA Sports
The match corresponding to matchday 18 between Real Sociedad and Atlético de Madrid will be played this Sunday, January 4 at 9:00 p.m. at the Reale Arena. The match can be followed on television through Movistar LaLiga.
In addition, you can follow all the coverage of the match including previews, lineups, live narration and the most notable subsequent statements on LA RAZÓN (www.larazon.es).
Possible lineups for Real Sociedad – Atlético de Madrid
Royal Society
Remiro, Aramburu, Caleta-Car, Jon Martín, Sergio Gómez, Turrientes, Soler, Kubo, Brais, Guedes and Oyarzabal
Atlético de Madrid
Oblak, Llorente, Pubill, Le Normand, Hancko, Koke, Barrios, Julián Álvarez, Giuliano, Sorloth y Baena.
Worth a look
