La Liga Preview: Real Sociedad vs. FC Barcelona

Venue: Reale Arena (Anoeta), San Sebastián

Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026

Kick-off: 8:00 PM GMT / 9:00 PM local time

As La Liga enters Matchday 20, league leaders FC Barcelona travel to the Basque Country to face a revitalized Real Sociedad. Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, the Catalan giants are currently riding a sensational nine-game winning streak in the league, holding a four-point cushion over Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad, now under the stewardship of Pellegrino Matarazzo, are looking to break into the top half of the table after finding some much-needed stability.

Tactical Analysis

FC Barcelona: The Flick Machine

Barcelona's success this season has been built on a high-octane 4-2-3-1 system. With Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in world-class form, Barca have averaged nearly three goals per game. Expect Flick to maintain his aggressive high defensive line, relying on Pau Cubarsí and Eric Garcia to initiate play from the back. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are expected to anchor the midfield, providing the control necessary to navigate Anoeta’s hostile atmosphere.

Real Sociedad: The Matarazzo Resurgence

Matarazzo has tightened the Basque defense since his arrival, but facing Barcelona is the ultimate test. La Real will likely look to exploit the space behind Barcelona’s high line using the pace of Takefusa Kubo and the intelligence of Mikel Oyarzabal. In midfield, the absence of Yangel Herrera puts significant pressure on Beñat Turrientes and Carlos Soler to disrupt Barca’s rhythm.

Probable Lineups

Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Álex Remiro

• Defenders: Jon Aramburu (RB), Jon Martín (CB), Duje Ćaleta-Car (CB), Sergio Gómez (LB)

• Midfielders: Beñat Turrientes (CDM), Carlos Soler (CDM)

• Attacking Midfield: Takefusa Kubo (RW), Brais Méndez (CAM), Gonçalo Guedes (LW)

• Forward: Mikel Oyarzabal (ST)

FC Barcelona (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Joan García

• Defenders: Jules Koundé (RB), Pau Cubarsí (CB), Eric Garcia (CB), Alejandro Balde (LB)

• Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (CDM), Pedri (CDM)

• Attacking Midfield: Lamine Yamal (RW), Fermín López (CAM), Raphinha (LW)

• Forward: Ferran Torres (ST) (Note: Robert Lewandowski may start on the bench or rotate depending on final fitness checks).

Team News & Injuries

Real Sociedad

• Out: Yangel Herrera (calf injury, out for 2-3 weeks), Inaki Ruperez (long-term), Jon Karrikaburu.

• Doubtful: Orri Óskarsson and Mikel Goti are racing against time to be fit for the matchday squad.

FC Barcelona

• Out: Gavi (knee/meniscus), Andreas Christensen (ACL), Marc-André ter Stegen (knee).

• Available: Dani Olmo has been passed fit but is expected to start on the bench as he builds up match sharpness.

• Note: New loan signing Joao Cancelo and the returning Ronald Araujo are both in the squad and could feature as second-half substitutes.

Prediction

While Real Sociedad have shown improvement under their new manager, Barcelona's current momentum is difficult to ignore. The battle between Kubo and Balde on the flank will be key, but Barca’s superior depth and attacking variety likely give them the edge.

Score Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-2 FC Barcelona