Will the Basques’ defense stop speedster Nuamah? Real Sociedad vs Lyon Europa League prediction
On Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 19:45 Kyiv time (EET) (18:45 local Spanish time), Real Sociedad will host French side Olympique Lyon at the Anoeta Stadium ("Reale Arena") in San Sebastián in Matchday 4 of the UEFA Europa League league phase.
Both teams are sitting in the middle of the competition’s league table: Lyon have 6 points after two wins and one defeat, while Real Sociedad have collected 4 points (their 6-0 demolition of Lillestrøm on Matchday 3 put the Basques back in the race for a top-eight finish).
The sides have met four times in official competition, with two wins apiece. Historically, trips to San Sebastián have been difficult for French clubs: Real Sociedad have won four of their last six home matches in the Europa League.
Real Sociedad
The Basques head into this clash frustrated after a painful 1-2 defeat to Athletic in the Basque derby, with Luka Sučić scoring their only goal. Nevertheless, the team have been aggressive and versatile in attack: the total has gone over 2.5 goals in nine of Real Sociedad’s last 10 official matches.
The weak point for American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side is their defense: over their last 10 matches in all competitions, the Basques have kept just one clean sheet — in fact, in that very European fixture against the Norwegians.
Lyon
The French club recovered from a heavy 0-3 defeat to Hoffenheim in Matchday 3 of the Europa League and a 0-2 setback against PSG by beating Angers 2-0 in Ligue 1 at the weekend (Ernest Nuamah once again scored an early goal).
Lyon regularly find the net in European competition, having scored in six of their last seven away Europa League matches. However, they rarely win on the road in continental tournaments — just one victory in their last five away games, alongside two defeats and two draws.
Probable lineups
- Real Sociedad: Marrero - Zubeldia, Sarr, Martin, Gómez - Kubo, Gorrotxategi, Soler, Guedes - Sučić, Oyarzabal
- Lyon: Greif - Athekame, Bacher, Niakhaté, Abner Vinícius - Bidstrup, Tessmann, Tolisso - Nakamura, Duranville, Nuamah
Prediction
Both teams are committed to creating chances and regularly leave space in the middle of the pitch when they lose possession. The total has gone over in nine of the Spanish club’s last 10 games. My prediction is over 2.5 goals.
