Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 25 January

Real Sociedad will face Celta Vigo in an intriguing LaLiga clash at the Reale Arena on Sunday, 25 January. This match promises to be a compelling encounter as both teams aim to secure valuable points in the league standings. The Reale Arena, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, will host this exciting fixture, providing a challenging environment for the visiting side, Celta Vigo.

Real Sociedad, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their familiarity with the Reale Arena to gain an advantage over Celta Vigo. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo will be eager to upset the hosts and climb the LaLiga table. This matchup is significant, as both teams are striving for a strong finish in the league, making it a crucial game for their respective campaigns. With both sides having much at stake, this encounter is set to be a fascinating battle on the pitch.

Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Celta Vigo to win	3.8

Considering the current form and defensive vulnerabilities of Real Sociedad, our recommended betting tip is to back Celta Vigo to win in regular time. This recommendation is based on Celta’s strong away performances and their ability to exploit Sociedad’s defensive frailties.

• Real Sociedad have conceded an average of 1.4 goals per match this season, highlighting their defensive weaknesses.
• Celta Vigo are currently on a strong run, with a 4-2-0 series including draws and a 5-3-1 away record, making them the third-best away team.
• Sociedad’s vulnerability to quick counter-attacks and Celta’s organised midfield and efficient finishing give Celta an edge in this matchup.

Betting Odds

Real Sociedad step onto their home turf at the Reale Arena as favourites, with betting odds of 1.99 reflecting their strong form this season. Celta Vigo, meanwhile, are seen as underdogs at 3.8, but their ability to surprise on the road should not be underestimated.

Betting Tip	Odds
Real Sociedad to win	1.99
Draw	3.4
Celta Vigo to win	3.8

The draw is priced at 3.4, which could appeal to those expecting a closely contested match. With both teams having a knack for finding the net, punters might also consider the over 2.5 goals market as a viable option.

Real Sociedad Analysis & Recent Performance

Real Sociedad have demonstrated solid form in recent weeks, highlighted by an unbeaten run in their last five games, which includes three wins and two draws. Their latest victory came against Barcelona with a 2-1 scoreline, showcasing their ability to compete against top-tier teams.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Real Sociedad	Barcelona	2 – 1 (Win)	LaLiga	18 Jan 2026
Real Sociedad	Osasuna	N/A	Copa del Rey	13 Jan 2026
Getafe	Real Sociedad	1 – 2 (Win)	LaLiga	9 Jan 2026
Real Sociedad	Atletico Madrid	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	4 Jan 2026
Levante	Real Sociedad	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	20 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In the last five matches, Real Sociedad have managed to score an average of 2.40 goals per game, while conceding 1.80 goals per game. This points to a potent offence but also a vulnerability in defence, as evidenced by the absence of clean sheets during this period. The team has shown consistency in finding the back of the net, scoring in each of their last five fixtures.

Their home performance has been relatively strong, with a win ratio of 40% from the last five matches at the Reale Arena. However, they have struggled defensively, conceding in all five of these games. Real Sociedad currently sit 9th in LaLiga, with 24 points, reflecting their competitive edge within the league. Mikel Oyarzabal remains a key player, leading as the top scorer with six goals this season, contributing significantly to their attacking prowess.

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Real Sociedad Suspensions & Injuries

Real Sociedad face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable. Yangel Herrera and Orri Steinn Óskarsson are both doubtful due to a leg injury and fitness issues, respectively. The absence of Takefusa Kubo, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury until mid-February 2026, is a significant blow to the team’s creative and attacking capabilities. This could force Imanol Alguacil to rethink his attacking strategy, possibly relying more heavily on Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Méndez to fill the creative void left by Kubo.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Carlos Soler	Red card	1	Unknown

Carlos Soler’s red card suspension further compounds the midfield issues for Real Sociedad. With Soler suspended for one match, the team’s midfield depth is notably weakened. Beñat Turrientes may be called upon to step into a more prominent role, providing stability and creativity in Soler’s absence. The tactical impact of these absences might lead to a more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining a solid defensive structure.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Yangel Herrera	Leg injury	Doubtful
Orri Steinn Óskarsson	Fitness issue	Doubtful
Takefusa Kubo	Hamstring injury	Mid-February 2026

The betting implications of these unavailabilities are notable, as Real Sociedad’s diminished squad depth could influence their odds. With key players missing, the team might struggle to maintain their usual attacking flair, potentially impacting their performance against a resilient Celta Vigo side.

Real Sociedad Key Players

Real Sociedad’s attacking prowess is significantly bolstered by their top scorer, Mikel Oyarzabal, who has netted 6 goals this season. Operating primarily as a forward, Oyarzabal’s clinical finishing makes him a constant threat to Celta Vigo’s defence. His partnership with Gonçalo Guedes in the forward line is expected to be pivotal, as they look to break down the opposition’s backline with pace and creativity.

In midfield, Brais Méndez stands out as a key playmaker. His vision and ability to control the tempo of the game are crucial for orchestrating attacks and providing service to the forwards. On the defensive front, the pairing of Jon Aramburu and Igor Zubeldia will be essential in maintaining solidity at the back, tasked with disrupting Celta Vigo’s attacking plays.

Expected lineup for Real Sociedad

• Goalkeeper: Álex Remiro
• Defenders: Jon Aramburu, Jon Martín, Igor Zubeldia, Sergio Gómez
• Midfielders: Ander Barrenetxea, Beñat Turrientes, Jon Gorrotxategi, Brais Méndez
• Forwards: Gonçalo Guedes, Mikel Oyarzabal

Real Sociedad Tactics and Formation

Real Sociedad Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Mikel Oyarzabal
• Midfield Core: Beñat Turrientes and Carlos Soler
• Defensive Concern: Zero clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession-based play and counterattacks.

Real Sociedad’s 4-4-2 formation is designed to offer a balanced approach between attack and defence. However, the absence of key players like Takefusa Kubo and Yangel Herrera due to injuries may necessitate tactical adjustments. In their previous game against Barcelona, Sociedad’s possession was limited to 28%, indicating a need to improve their ball retention strategies.

Offensively, Mikel Oyarzabal remains crucial, leading the line alongside Brais Méndez. Both forwards are expected to exploit spaces created by the creative play of midfielders Carlos Soler and Beñat Turrientes. Despite their attacking capabilities, Real Sociedad’s inability to keep a clean sheet in recent matches highlights a defensive vulnerability.

Defensively, Jon Aramburu and Igor Zubeldia need to be more cohesive to prevent conceding goals, especially given the absence of consistent clean sheets. The team must improve their defensive coordination to effectively counteract Celta Vigo’s attacking threats.

Celta Vigo Analysis & Recent Performance

Celta Vigo have been in excellent form, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions. This impressive streak includes notable victories such as a 3-0 win against Rayo Vallecano and a commanding 4-1 triumph over Valencia. Their recent 2-1 victory against Lille in the Europa League further underlines their competitive edge.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Celta Vigo	Lille	2 – 1 (Win)	Europa League	22 Jan, 2026
Celta Vigo	Rayo Vallecano	3 – 0 (Win)	La Liga	18 Jan, 2026
Sevilla	Celta Vigo	0 – 1 (Win)	La Liga	12 Jan, 2026
Celta Vigo	Valencia	4 – 1 (Win)	La Liga	3 Jan, 2026
Real Oviedo	Celta Vigo	0 – 0 (Draw)	La Liga	20 Dec, 2025

Recent Form:
Celta Vigo’s attacking prowess is evident, as they have averaged 2.00 goals per game in their last five matches, scoring a total of 10 goals. Defensively, they have been robust, conceding only 2 goals and securing 3 clean sheets. Their balance between defence and attack is highlighted by a 0.60 clean sheet ratio.

In away games, Celta Vigo have shown resilience, winning 3 out of their last 5 matches and maintaining a win ratio of 0.60. Their tactical discipline and ability to control games under pressure have been key factors in their strong away performances. Currently sitting 7th in LaLiga, Celta Vigo’s 32 points reflect their mid-to-upper table standing and consistent form.

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Celta Vigo Suspensions & Injuries

Celta Vigo face some challenges due to injuries as they prepare to take on Real Sociedad. The absence of Jaime Vázquez, who is sidelined with a groin injury, adds pressure to their squad depth. His return date remains uncertain, complicating the team’s planning, particularly in maintaining defensive solidity. This absence may force Claudio Giráldez to explore alternative defensive setups to ensure resilience against a formidable opponent.

Carlos Domínguez is another crucial omission from the lineup, potentially affecting Celta Vigo’s options in defence. With the defensive line needing reinforcement, it is likely that Giráldez will look to players like Carl Starfelt and Óscar Mingueza to step up and fill any gaps left by these injuries. Starfelt, in particular, could be tasked with a more central role, aiming to organise the backline and provide stability.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jaime Vázquez	Groin strain	Unknown

Tactically, Celta Vigo may need to adjust their formation slightly to adapt to these unavailabilities. A potential shift to a more conservative approach could be on the cards, focusing on counter-attacks led by Iago Aspas and Borja Iglesias. These adjustments could influence betting markets, as the team’s reduced depth may impact their ability to press forward aggressively, possibly resulting in a more cautious game plan.

Celta Vigo Key Players

Celta Vigo’s attacking threat is spearheaded by Borja Iglesias, the team’s top scorer with 7 goals this season. Iglesias’ consistent ability to find the net makes him a focal point in Celta Vigo’s offensive strategy. His knack for positioning and finishing will be crucial against Real Sociedad’s defence. Complementing Iglesias in attack is Bryan Zaragoza, whose pace and dribbling skills can create opportunities and unsettle defenders, making him another key player to watch.

In midfield, Ilaix Moriba is instrumental in linking defence to attack, offering both defensive solidity and creative flair. His tactical awareness and ball distribution could dictate the tempo of the game. Defensively, Carl Starfelt stands out, tasked with organising the backline and thwarting opposition advances. His aerial prowess and tackling ability will be vital in maintaining a solid defensive foundation.

Expected lineup for Celta Vigo:

• Goalkeeper: Ionuț Radu
• Defenders: Javi Rodríguez, Carl Starfelt, Marcos Alonso
• Midfielders: Sergio Carreira, Ilaix Moriba, Hugo Sotelo, Óscar Mingueza
• Forwards: Bryan Zaragoza, Pablo Durán, Hugo Álvarez

Celta Vigo Tactics and Formation

Celta Vigo Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Borja Iglesias
• Midfield Pivot: Hugo Sotelo and Miguel Román
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong wing play and counterattacking prowess.

Celta Vigo’s 3-4-3 formation allows them to maximise width and exploit spaces on the flanks. The wing-backs, Marcos Alonso and Óscar Mingueza, are pivotal in transitioning from defence to attack, providing crucial width and support to the forward line. This setup aims to create overloads on the wings, enabling quick transitions and effective counterattacks.

Defensively, the trio of Javi Rueda, Javi Rodríguez, and Carl Starfelt forms a solid backline, which has helped Celta Vigo secure three clean sheets in their last five matches. This stability at the back is crucial, especially given the team’s tendency to absorb pressure and hit on the break.

Offensively, Borja Iglesias, as the central striker, is the focal point of Celta’s attacks. Supported by creative forces like Iago Aspas, the team excel in swift counter-attacks, leveraging their pace and precision in the final third to exploit defensive lapses.

Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo Head-to-Head Record

Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo have faced off 50 times, with Sociedad winning 19, Celta taking 13, and 18 matches ending in a draw. Their last encounter was a 1-1 draw in October 2025 at Celta’s home ground in LaLiga. Historically, it’s been a tight contest, with Sociedad slightly ahead in the head-to-head record.

The last time Real Sociedad hosted Celta Vigo was in May 2025, where Celta managed a narrow 1-0 victory. Sociedad will be keen to reverse this result at the Reale Arena, especially given their stronger overall home record.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Celta Vigo	Real Sociedad	1 – 1	LaLiga	2025-10-19
Real Sociedad	Celta Vigo	0 – 1	LaLiga	2025-05-13
Celta Vigo	Real Sociedad	2 – 0	LaLiga	2024-12-21
Celta Vigo	Real Sociedad	1 – 2	Copa del Rey	2024-01-23
Celta Vigo	Real Sociedad	0 – 1	LaLiga	2024-01-20