La Liga | Matchday 16 | Friday, December 12, 2025
Real Sociedad host Girona at the Reale Arena on Friday night in a fixture neither club expected to carry such desperate stakes. La Real sit 14th with 16 points, just four above the relegation zone, while Girona occupy 18th place and are currently inside the drop zone with 12 points from 15 matches.
Table Context
Both sides have dramatically underperformed this season. Real Sociedad, who competed in European competition last term, carry a minus-3 goal difference (19 scored, 22 conceded). Girona’s situation is more alarming with minus-16 (13 scored, 29 conceded), the second-worst defensive record in La Liga.
Head-to-Head History
History offers Girona little comfort. The Catalans have never won at the Anoeta in La Liga and remain winless against Real Sociedad across their last 10 meetings overall (4 losses, 6 draws). At this venue over the last six encounters, Real Sociedad have won twice with four draws and zero Girona victories.
Real Sociedad Form
In their last six league matches overall, La Real have recorded W3-D1-L2, averaging 1.33 goals scored and 1.17 conceded per game. Results have been inconsistent, including a 1-0 loss to Alavés last weekend following a 3-1 victory over Osasuna.
Their last three home matches show W2-D0-L1 with 1.67 goals scored and 1.00 conceded per game. Wins against Athletic Club and Valencia demonstrate the Anoeta remains a relative stronghold.
Girona Form
Girona’s last six overall reads W1-D2-L3, scoring just 0.83 goals while conceding 1.83 per game. A heavy 3-0 defeat to Elche last week followed a creditable draw against Real Madrid.
Away form is particularly concerning. Their last three on the road shows W0-D1-L2, averaging 0.33 goals scored and 1.67 conceded per game. Girona have failed to score in two of those three away fixtures and remain winless in seven consecutive away league matches.
Tactical Outlook
Real Sociedad average 52% possession and generate 13.7 shots per game compared to Girona’s 48% and 9.3 shots. The tactical hinge lies in timing: La Real have scored 74% of their goals in the second half this season, while Girona’s defense tends to collapse late in away matches. Expect a cagey first period before the game opens up after the break.
Team News
Real Sociedad lose captain Mikel Oyarzabal (hamstring) and Hamari Traoré. Orri Oskarsson (thigh) and Igor Zubeldia (muscle) are doubts. Missing the creative fulcrum Oyarzabal weakens an already struggling attack.
Girona’s injury crisis is severe. Top scorer Cristhian Stuani (calf), Portu (knee), Donny van de Beek (Achilles), Abel Ruiz (hamstring), and Yangel Herrera are all sidelined. The attacking unit is decimated.
Real Sociedad are expected to deploy a 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1. Girona will likely set up defensively in a 4-4-2 or 5-3-2.
Numbers to Watch
- 0: Girona wins at the Anoeta in La Liga history
- 74%: Real Sociedad’s second-half goal percentage this season
- 7: Girona’s winless away streak in league matches
Where to Watch
Kickoff: 9:00 PM CET / 8:00 PM UTC
Spain: Movistar+, DAZN | International: ESPN+ (US), Premier Sports (UK), TSN (Canada)
