Real Sociedad vs. Real Oviedo: A Rematch with High Stakes

The memory of August 30th, when Real Oviedo secured their first La Liga victory in over 24 years against Real Sociedad, feels distant. A lot has changed since then, with Veljko Paunovic at the helm and Leander Dendoncker finding the back of the net. Now, as the bottom-placed Real Oviedo faces one of Spain’s most in-form teams, they’re seeking a glimmer of hope after a tough defeat against Athletic Club.

Real Oviedo’s Squad for the Trip to Real Sociedad

Guillermo Almada has settled on Nico Fonseca to replace the suspended Santiago Colombatto in midfield. Fonseca, one of Oviedo’s winter signings, will partner with Kwasi Sibo from the start. Almada considered Dendoncker as an alternative, but Fonseca will be making his first Spanish league start.

Almada on Defensive Errors:

“Matches last 90 minutes plus stoppage time. We can’t afford to make those mistakes,” Almada emphasized, addressing recent defensive vulnerabilities.

Lineup Stability and Key Players

Almada is maintaining a consistent lineup, with Javi López continuing at left-back despite Rahim’s recovery. Hassan and Ilyas Chaira will flank Fede Viñas up front. Oviedo, with a game in hand, is nine points away from safety, making this match crucial.

Real Sociedad’s Resurgence Under Matarazzo

Since Pellegrino Matarazzo took charge, Real Sociedad’s league form has been impressive: 4 wins, 2 draws, and only one loss to Real Madrid. They’re also thriving in the Copa del Rey, holding a semi-final advantage over Athletic Club – the team that recently defeated Real Oviedo. The Real Sociedad of today is a far cry from the team that lost at the Carlos Tartiere thanks to Dendoncker’s goal.

Despite injuries to key players like Kubo, Barrenetxea, Sucic, Zakharyan, and Rupérez, Matarazzo welcomes back Brais Méndez. However, the threat from Gonçalo Guedes (6 goals, 3 assists) and Mikel Oyarzabal (10 goals, 3 assists) remains significant. These world-class players are driving Real Sociedad’s resurgence.

Possible Lineups:

• Real Sociedad: Remiro; Aramburu, Caleta-Car, Jon Martín, Sergio Gómez; Gorrotxategi, Turrientes, Brais Méndez; Marín, Guedes, and Oyarzabal.
• Real Oviedo: Aarón Escandell; Nacho Vidal, Bailly, Carmo, Javi López; Sibo, Fonseca; Hassan, Reina, Ilyas Chaira; Fede Viñas.

Referee: José Luis Munuera Montero (Andalusian Committee). VAR will be overseen by Ávalos Barrera.

Stadium: Anoeta (San Sebastián).

Time: 2:00 PM

Source: La Voz