Another crucial matchday in La Liga beckons as Real Sociedad welcome Celta Vigo to Reale Arena on Tuesday. Despite being comfortably mid table with 43 points, the Txuri-Urdin harbour European ambitions. Hence a win against this team from Vigo is their minimum demand.
Real Sociedad are in 12th spot and Celta Vigo in the 7th with 49 points. Europa League is the best output both the teams can achieve with 3 games remaining in the 24/25 season now. While it’s a distant dream for the San Sebastian team, the prospects look much brighter for the Galician side.
Though the H2H data suggests Real Sociedad has upper hand in this fixture. Over their last 49 meetings, Real Sociedad has claimed victory 19 times, while Celta Vigo has won 13.
But the reverse fixture at Abanca Balaidos back in December was a different story as the home side won 2-0 with Pablo Duran finding the net twice in the first half.
✅ All set! #RealSociedadCelta pic.twitter.com/ODIJYckINv
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) May 12, 2025
Form Guide and Team Performance
Real Sociedad were rocked by manager Imanol Alguacil‘s shock resignation last week. The Orio native has turned Real Sociedad into a ball-stealing squad with high pressure lines but recent lack of wins has taken a kind of toll the manager cannot withstand anymore.
The White and Blue side has suffered 3 defeats and 2 draws in their last 5 games. Their loss against Atletico Madrid last week was especially devastating as Alexander Sorloth scored all goals in a 4-0 onslaught at Metropolitano which included the league’s fastest hattrick.
As much as Real Sociedad are dreaming of a European spot, the real fight for the two remaining European places (7th & 8th) is between Celta Vigo, Rayo Vallecano and RCD Mallorca.
The Sky Blues of Vigo could more or less qualify for Europe at the end of Matchday 36 if they beat Real Sociedad at Anoeta. All they would need is a draw from their remaining games.
They come into this clash with 2 wins and 3 defeats in their last 5 games but the 2 of the losses were against title contenders Barcelona and Real Madrid. They went close against Los Blancos and channeled the same spirit in their 3-2 win over Sevilla last week.
Claudio Giraldez’s side has been one of the season’s entertaining sides because they leak as many goals (54) as they score (55). However, their away form has not been helpful, with only one road win this season against Las Palmas, they have managed only 13 points from their 17 away games this season.
Key Players to Watch
For Real Sociedad, Mikel Oyarzabal remains the focal point of their attack. The Spanish international has contributed eight goals and his knack for scoring in the first half makes him a player to watch early on.
Takefusa Kubo, the Japanese winger, brings flair and creativity, using his dribbling and vision to unlock defenses.
Arsenal bound Martin Zubimendi anchors the midfield with his composure and passing, providing stability that allows Real Sociedad to control games. Brais Mendez, with his ability to score from distance, adds another dimension to their attack.
Celta Vigo boasts its own set of game-changers. 32-year-old striker Borja Iglesias continues do the job for the Celestes with 10 goals this season.
Iago Aspas, the team’s captain, delivered a masterclass 15-minutes in the recent Real Madrid game. Oscar Mingueza’s attacking runs from the right flank make him a constant danger. And while he is on loan, Ilaix Moriba, is the heart of Celta’s midfield at the moment.
Betting Tips and Predictions
A recommended bet is both teams to score (BTTS) as Celta Vigo has scored in their last two away games against top sides, and Real Sociedad’s home matches often see goals.
Another option is the draw, given the frequency of 1-1 results in this fixture and both teams’ inconsistent form. For a riskier pick, Mikel Oyarzabal to score anytime could be worth considering, given his importance to Real Sociedad’s attack.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-1 Celta Vigo. Expect a tight, competitive match where both teams find the net but cancel each other out.
