Real Sociedad vs Valencia: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 17.05.2026
One of the clashes of La Liga’s 37th round will be played on Sunday at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián, where Real Sociedad host Valencia. Here’s my take on this encounter: the hosts are eager to wrap up their home campaign on a high after a prolonged winless streak, while the visitors approach the finish line with little pressure in terms of league position.
Match preview
Real Sociedad are winless in their last five matches across all competitions, casting a shadow over what could have been a strong season finale. In the previous round, Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side drew 1-1 with Girona: Jon Martin opened the scoring in the 27th minute, but after the break the Basques once again failed to hold on to their lead.
Still, the season can hardly be called a failure: Sociedad lifted the Copa del Rey, defeating Atletico in the final on penalties, and have already secured their place in the Europa League. At home, the team looks far more solid than away, and this final outing at the Reale Arena is the perfect chance to break their negative streak and restore a sense of control for the fans.
Valencia have looked more stable in recent weeks: two wins, two draws, and just one defeat in their last five outings. In the previous round, Carlos Corberán’s men drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano, conceding in the 19th minute but drawing level before the break.
The main weakness for the visitors is their away form: only four wins and 16 points from 18 La Liga away matches. To make matters worse, their defensive line is not in the best shape: José Copete and Dimitri Foulquier are injured, while the fitness of Renzo Saravia and José Gayà remains questionable after knocks picked up against Rayo.
Probable lineups
- Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Martin, Ćaleta-Car, Gomez, Kubo, Herrera, Gorrotxategi, Barrenetxea, Sučić, Oyarzabal.
- Valencia: Dimitrievski, Vazquez, Tárrega, Cömert, Núñez, López, Rodríguez, Pepelu, Rioja, Duro, Guerra.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Real Sociedad are winless in five straight matches across all competitions: three draws and two defeats.
- The first-round match between Valencia and Real Sociedad ended 1-1.
- In the last five head-to-head meetings, Real Sociedad have won three, one ended in a draw, and Valencia claimed one victory.
- At least one team failed to score in 6 of the last 7 meetings at Real Sociedad’s ground in La Liga.
- There have been at least 10 corners in 12 of the last 15 head-to-head matches at Real Sociedad’s stadium in La Liga.
Prediction
Real Sociedad come into this match with clear motivation: they’ve already secured European football via the Copa del Rey but can’t afford to end their home season on a winless run. The Basques usually play more boldly on their own turf, and the trio of Kubo, Sučić, and Oyarzabal can unlock a defense that’s dealing with personnel issues. Valencia aren’t falling apart, but they still lack stability and aggression away from home, especially in key moments. I expect a tight contest, with the visitors creating their chances, but Sociedad’s class and home momentum should tip the balance.
