Real Sociedad vs. Girona Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 May 2025 - bettingexpert
Get ready for an intriguing La Liga clash as Real Sociedad takes on Girona at the Reale Arena on 18 May 2025. Both teams are having a middling season, sitting 12th and 13th in the standings, respectively. With little at stake, it’s all about pride and momentum heading into the final round. Real Sociedad, under Imanol Alguacil, has come through a recent string of poor results but managed a draw against Villarreal.
On the other hand, Girona, led by Miguel Angel Sanchez, has shown slightly better form with victories over Valladolid and Mallorca. With top scorers Mikel Oyarzabal and Cristhian Stuani leading each side, expect an attacking game. Given both teams’ defensive struggles, betting on over 2.5 goals seems sensible.
While the forecast suggests an entertaining match, it’s worth noting that Real Sociedad is the bookmakers’ favourite to edge this contest.
Real Sociedad vs Girona Prediction & Betting Tip
| Real Sociedad vs Girona Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Over 2.5 goals | 2.07 |
- Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities in recent matches.
- Historical encounters between these sides often feature multiple goals, including a 2-2 draw in their last meeting.
- With attackers like Mikel Oyarzabal and Cristhian Stuani, expect an offensive approach from both teams.
Given the defensive struggles and attacking intent from both sides, betting on over 2.5 goals seems like a smart choice.
Real Sociedad vs Girona Odds
| Real Sociedad vs Girona Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Real Sociedad | 2.07 |
| Draw | 3.13 |
| Girona | 3.91 |
Real Sociedad are the bookmaker favorites, mainly due to their home advantage at Reale Arena. Girona, though slightly trailing in the league, have shown resilience, making them a decent underdog bet. The odds for a draw suggest a competitive encounter, given both teams’ close standing in the league. If you’re looking for a balanced risk, betting on Real Sociedad seems sensible. For more daring punters, Girona or a draw might offer better returns.
Real Sociedad Team Analysis
Real Sociedad Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Sociedad | Celta Vigo | 2025-05-13 | LaLiga | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Atletico Madrid | Real Sociedad | 2025-05-10 | LaLiga | 4-0 (Loss) |
| Real Sociedad | Athletic Club | 2025-05-04 | LaLiga | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Deportivo Alaves | Real Sociedad | 2025-04-23 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Villarreal | Real Sociedad | 2025-04-20 | LaLiga | 2-2 (Draw) |
Recent Form: LLDLD
Real Sociedad’s current form is indicative of their struggles this season, evidenced by their recent performance of one draw and four losses in their last five matches. They’ve only managed to score two goals while conceding eight, reflecting their attack’s inconsistency and defensive vulnerabilities.
With an average of just 0.40 goals scored per game in the last five matches and only one clean sheet, Real Sociedad’s lack of offensive firepower and defensive solidity have contributed significantly to their mid-table standing. Their matchup against Girona offers a chance to improve, considering both teams’ close league positions.
Real Sociedad Key Players
Real Sociedad will rely heavily on their top scorer, Mikel Oyarzabal, who has netted 8 goals this season. His ability to influence the game in the final third will be crucial. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is set to join Arsenal, will play one of his last matches for Sociedad, offering experience and defensive stability. Takefusa Kubo and Brais Mendez are also expected to provide creativity and vision in the midfield, with Pablo Marin adding further support.
Expected lineup for Real Sociedad:
- Goalkeeper: Alex Remiro
- Defenders: Hamari Traore, Igor Zubeldia, Aritz Elustondo, Javier López Carballo
- Midfielders: Brais Mendez, Martin Zubimendi, Pablo Marin
- Attackers: Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Sergio Gomez
Key individual battles to watch include Oyarzabal against Girona’s central defenders and Kubo’s duels with Girona’s full-backs. These encounters will be pivotal in tipping the balance in Sociedad’s favor.
Real Sociedad Suspensions & Injuries
Real Sociedad will be missing several key players due to injuries and suspension, which could significantly impact their performance.
Suspensions
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Aihen Muñoz | Yellow cards | Next match |
Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Arsen Zakharyan | Thigh injury | Doubtful |
| Nayef Aguerd | Hamstring injury | Doubtful |
| Orri Steinn Óskarsson | Hamstring injury | Mid June 2025 |
| Sheraldo Becker | Knee injury | Doubtful |
These absences could leave Real Sociedad’s defense and midfield vulnerable, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding Zakharyan and Aguerd’s fitness. Muñoz’s suspension means Alguacil will need to reconfigure his backline, affecting their overall strategy.
Real Sociedad Tactics and Formation
Real Sociedad Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Mikel Oyarzabal
- Midfield Trio: Brais Mendez, Martin Zubimendi, Pablo Marin
- Defensive Strength: Concede 1.2 goals on average this season
- Notable Strategy: Focus on quick transitions and wide play
Real Sociedad, under coach Imanol Alguacil, typically lines up in a 4-3-3 formation. Their attacking intent revolves around their key forward, Mikel Oyarzabal, who tops their goal-scoring chart with eight goals.
The midfield trio, led by Martin Zubimendi, is pivotal in controlling the tempo and breaking up opposition attacks. They aim to utilize quick transitions, especially focusing on wide players like Takefusa Kubo.
Defensively, despite recent inconsistencies, they have managed to keep two clean sheets in their last five games. Tactical adjustments will be key due to the absences through injuries and suspension.
Girona Team Analysis
Girona Recent Performance
Girona has had a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, showing some signs of resilience along with occasional lapses. Their recent form is represented as WLWDL:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Valladolid | Girona | 2025-05-13 | LaLiga | 0-1 (Win) |
| Girona | Villarreal | 2025-05-10 | LaLiga | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Girona | Mallorca | 2025-05-05 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Win) |
| Leganes | Girona | 2025-04-24 | LaLiga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Girona | Real Betis | 2025-04-21 | LaLiga | 1-3 (Loss) |
Girona has recorded two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five games, scoring an average of 0.8 goals per game and keeping two clean sheets in the process. While their defensive record remains spotty, conceding 1.5 goals on average per match this season, they have shown the ability to score in 72% of their games. Cristhian Stuani leads the scoring charts with 10 goals, emphasizing their attacking threat.
Girona Key Players
Expected lineup for Girona:
- Goalkeeper: Paulo Gazzaniga
- Defenders: Arnau Martinez, David Lopez, Juanpe, Daley Blind
- Midfielders: Yangel Herrera, Arthur, Iván Martín Núñez
- Attackers: Viktor Tsygankov, Abel Ruiz, Portu
Girona’s standout player this season has been Cristhian Stuani, their top scorer with 10 goals. He will be a crucial figure, particularly against Real Sociedad’s defensive setup. In midfield, Arthur will be essential for maintaining possession and linking play, and the battle between their forwards and Real Sociedad’s defenders could be decisive. Meanwhile, Paulo Gazzaniga will look to keep the defense tight as Girona aim to solidify their position in the league. Key individual battles, such as Abel Ruiz against Real Sociedad’s Igor Zubeldia and Aritz Elustondo, will be pivotal.
Girona Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Bryan Gil | Knee injury | Early August 2025 |
| Ricard Artero | Ankle injury | Mid June 2025 |
| Donny van de Beek | Heel injury | Early September 2025 |
| Miguel Gutierrez | Ankle injury | Doubtful |
| Gabriel Misehouy | Foot injury | Early June 2025 |
Girona face the challenge of patching up their squad with multiple injuries stretching their depth. Bryan Gil and Donny van de Beek’s prolonged absences are particularly impactful, given their creative midfield roles. Miguel Gutierrez’s ankle injury adds to defensive concerns, while Gabriel Misehouy’s foot injury might limit midfield options further. Girona’s squad depth will be tested as they navigate this crucial LaLiga clash.
Girona Tactics and Formation
Girona Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Abel Ruiz
- Midfield Trio: Yangel Herrera, Arthur, Iván Martín Núñez
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Girona tends to have a solid defensive approach, which is evident from their two clean sheets in recent matches. They also demonstrate notable resilience, often conceding most goals late in matches (76-90 minutes).
Girona’s 4-3-3 formation utilizes the width of the pitch, with Viktor Tsygankov and Portu providing speed and crossing ability from the wings.
The midfield trio features the defensive stability of Herrera, the creativity of Arthur, and the versatility of Iván Martín Núñez.
Defensively, they rely on the experienced centre-back pairing of David Lopez and Juanpe, aiming to keep their shape and limit opposition chances.
Real Sociedad vs Girona Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Girona | Real Sociedad | 2024-10-19 | LaLiga | 0-1 (Win) |
| Girona | Real Sociedad | 2024-02-03 | LaLiga | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Real Sociedad | Girona | 2023-08-12 | LaLiga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Real Sociedad | Girona | 2023-05-13 | LaLiga | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Girona | Real Sociedad | 2022-10-02 | LaLiga | 3-5 (Loss) |
In their last five encounters, Real Sociedad has had a slight edge with one win and three draws. Only once has Girona emerged victorious. Expect a competitive clash based on recent history.
Odds accurate as of 16/05/2025 18:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
