Real Sociedad vs Girona prediction, H2H and probable lineups — May 18, 2025
On May 18, 2025, at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián, the 37th round of Spain’s La Liga will feature a clash between Real Sociedad and Girona. I believe fans shouldn't expect a goal fest in this encounter.
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad are enduring one of their most disappointing La Liga campaigns in recent years. With just two rounds left, Imanol Alguacil’s side sit 12th, having virtually lost any chance to fight even for a spot in the Conference League. After a long season on three fronts and some bright moments in cup competitions, the campaign’s finale has been a letdown. The team has lost its competitive motivation and is essentially playing out the remainder of the season with no clear objectives.
Despite their underwhelming league form, Sociedad’s Europa League run stands out. The Basques cruised through the group stage, displaying maturity and organization, and faced Manchester United—the eventual finalists—in the round of 16. Although they lost 2-5 on aggregate, Sociedad left a positive impression overall.
The season’s turning point was a dramatic exit from the Copa del Rey. Sociedad began their cup journey in the round of 64, knocking out Xove, Conquense, Ponferradina, Rayo Vallecano, and Osasuna. In the semifinals, they played two thrilling matches against Real Madrid. After a narrow 0-1 home defeat, they won 4-3 away but conceded a decisive goal in the 115th minute, costing them a place in the final. The heartbreak took its toll—over the next seven La Liga matches, Sociedad managed just one win and two draws. The dip in form is reflected in the standings, with the Basques now out of contention for European qualification with two games left.
Girona
Last matchday, Girona officially secured their La Liga status with a narrow win away at Valladolid. The only goal was scored by veteran and attacking leader Cristian Stuani, 38, who found the net for the fourth time in his last five games, bringing his season tally to 10 and remaining the team’s top scorer. His experience and finishing have once again proved decisive at a crucial juncture.
Nevertheless, Michel’s side can hardly call this season a success. Following last year’s fairytale run, a drop-off was expected, but the reality turned out to be even harsher. Their Champions League campaign left little to remember: Girona won just one home match—against Slovan—and lost the other seven. They finished 33rd out of 36 in the overall standings, underlining the challenge of adapting to European football. Competing on three fronts proved a stern test for a squad not fully prepared for such demands.
Girona were particularly vulnerable on the road. Away from home, they scored just 15 goals—only one more than league-worst Osasuna. Over their last eight away fixtures, the Catalans managed just one win and two draws. This record casts serious doubt on their chances ahead of the trip to San Sebastián.
Probable lineups
- Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré, Zubeldia, Elustondo, Muñoz, Zubimendi, Kubo, Mendez, Marin, Gomez, Oyarzabal
- Girona: Gazzaniga, Martinez, Lopez, Juanpe, Blind, Romeu, Artur, Tsygankov, Portu, Asprilla, Stuani
Match facts and H2H
- Real Sociedad have scored in just one of their last six matches. At home, they’ve failed to find the net in three consecutive games.
- In four of Girona’s last five away matches, the ‘both teams to score’ bet has come in.
- The reverse fixture ended with a narrow 1-0 away win for Sociedad.
- Of the last nine head-to-head meetings, six have ended in draws. Sociedad won the other three.
Prediction
This match is likely to be a low-scoring affair. Both teams are winding down the season with little motivation and struggling to convert chances up front. Sociedad are in a slump, while Girona have one of the weakest away attacks in the league. Our pick: under 2.5 goals at odds of 1.72.
