Valencia travel to the Reale Arena to face Real Sociedad in their La Liga 2025/26 opener on Saturday night, 16 August (20:30 CET). Both sides endured disappointing campaigns last season, finishing mid-table, and will be eager to start the new season with three points.
Match Preview
- Fixture: Real Sociedad vs Valencia
- Competition: La Liga 2025/26
- Venue: Reale Arena, San Sebastián
- Date: Saturday 16 August 2025
- Kick-off: 20:30 CET
Valencia finished 12th last season with 46 points, three places below their 2023/24 finish, while Real Sociedad slumped to 11th, their worst La Liga placement since 2018. With both clubs undergoing significant summer changes, this clash could set the tone for their seasons.
Valencia’s Build-Up
Los Che have been active in the transfer market, bringing in Filip Ugrinic, Arnaut Danjuma, Dani Raba, and defender José Copete, while new goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala is expected to start. Despite inconsistency in pre-season, they ended strongly with a 3-0 win over Torino.
Real Sociedad’s Situation
La Real, meanwhile, parted ways with long-time coach Imanol Alguacil, replacing him with Sergio Francisco. Their summer was steady, with seven friendlies played, suffering only one defeat. Key arrivals include Gonçalo Guedes from Wolves and Duje Ćaleta-Car on loan, while star midfielder Martín Zubimendi left for Arsenal.
Recent Form
Valencia – Last 5 (Pre-season)
- Form: L D D L W
- Highlight: 3-0 win over Torino in their final friendly.
Real Sociedad – Last 5 (Pre-season)
- Form: L W W D D
- Highlight: 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, showing resilience in attack.
Head-to-Head Record
- Last meeting (2024/25): Valencia 1-0 Real Sociedad
- Last 5 H2H in La Liga: Valencia 2W – Real Sociedad 3W
- Goals have been scarce in this fixture, with under 2.5 goals hitting in 4 of the last 5 clashes.
Team News
Valencia
- Out: Alberto Marí, Stole Dimitrievski, Sergi Canós (injuries).
- Doubt: Thierry Correia (fitness test).
- Debuts: Agirrezabala (GK), Copete (CB).
- Key player: Javi Guerra – despite Manchester United interest, he remains central to Carlos Corberán’s plans.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Agirrezabala; Vazquez, Diakhaby, Copete, Gayà; Guillamón, Pepelu; Rioja, Almeida, Guerra; Hugo Duro.
Real Sociedad
- Out: None confirmed.
- Doubt: Jon Gorrotxategi.
- Likely starter: Takefusa Kubo – despite transfer rumors.
- Debut watch: Guedes expected off the bench.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Remiro; Odriozola, Zubeldia, Elustondo, López; B. Turrientes, S. Sučić; Kubo, Brais Méndez, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal.
Betting Tips & Predictions
- Main Pick: Under 2.5 Goals – history suggests a tight contest (odds ~1.70).
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS): No – has landed in 3 of last 5 H2H (odds ~1.85).
- Correct Score Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-0 Valencia.
- Alternative Value: Mikel Oyarzabal to score anytime – he’s expected to lead the line.
Match Prediction
This is a tough opener for both sides, with neither boasting explosive attacking form. Valencia’s new signings will take time to gel, while Sociedad will look to stabilize under new management.
➡️ Final Verdict: Real Sociedad to win 1-0, with Under 2.5 Goals the safest betting angle.