La Liga | Matchday 16 | Friday, December 12, 2025
Twelve months ago, Girona were the surprise package of European football, challenging for the La Liga title. On Friday night, they travel to the Reale Arena sitting in the relegation zone with a decimated squad and zero away wins all season. Real Sociedad, themselves struggling in 14th place, represent another daunting obstacle in the Catalans’ fight for survival.
A Season of Collapse
The numbers tell a stark story. Girona have accumulated just 12 points from 15 matches and possess the second-worst defensive record in La Liga with 29 goals conceded. Their goal difference of minus-16 (13 scored, 29 conceded) reflects a side that has lost its identity from the team that captivated neutrals last campaign.
Real Sociedad’s minus-3 differential (19 scored, 22 conceded) appears modest by comparison, though 14th place represents a significant underperformance for a club with European aspirations.
Away Day Nightmare
Girona’s travels have produced nothing but misery. They remain winless in seven consecutive away league matches and have not secured a single road victory all season (D3-L4). Their last three away fixtures show W0-D1-L2, averaging a mere 0.33 goals scored while shipping 1.67 per game. They failed to find the net in two of those three matches.
The Anoeta has proven particularly inhospitable throughout history. Girona have never won at Real Sociedad’s home ground in La Liga, a record that spans every top-flight meeting between these clubs.
Second-Half Vulnerability
The timing of goals could prove decisive. Real Sociedad have scored 74% of their goals in the second half this season, establishing themselves as La Liga’s most notorious slow starters. Conversely, Girona’s defense tends to collapse after the interval, particularly in away matches where they have conceded heavily in closing periods.
In their last three home matches, Real Sociedad have recorded W2-D0-L1, averaging 1.67 goals scored and 1.00 conceded per game. Victories over Athletic Club and Valencia suggest the home environment brings out their best.
Injury Crisis Compounds Girona’s Woes
Girona travel without the players who might offer them a lifeline. Top scorer Cristhian Stuani (calf), creative hub Portu (knee), Donny van de Beek (Achilles), Abel Ruiz (hamstring), and Yangel Herrera are all unavailable. The attacking unit has been stripped to the bone, forcing manager Michel to improvise.
Real Sociedad have their own concerns. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal misses out with a hamstring injury, while Orri Oskarsson (thigh) and Igor Zubeldia (muscle) face late fitness tests. Losing Oyarzabal removes the primary creative threat from an attack already lacking fluency.
Both managers face difficult selection puzzles. Real Sociedad are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1, relying on Takefusa Kubo for width. Girona will likely adopt a defensive 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 to stem the bleeding.
Head-to-Head Offers No Hope
Across their last 10 meetings in all competitions, Girona have failed to beat Real Sociedad even once (4 losses, 6 draws). At the Anoeta specifically, the last six encounters show two home wins and four draws with zero Girona victories.
Numbers to Watch
- 0: Girona away wins in La Liga this season
- 29: Goals conceded by Girona, second-worst in the division
- 74%: Real Sociedad’s goals scored in second halves
Where to Watch
Kickoff: 9:00 PM CET / 8:00 PM UTC
Spain: Movistar+, DAZN | International: ESPN+ (US), Premier Sports (UK), TSN (Canada)
