Real Sociedad begin their UEFA Europa League league stage campaign at home to Bournemouth on Thursday. The match at Anoeta kicks off a new European adventure for the Basque side, who are looking to bounce back from a domestic defeat.
La Real head into the European opener after a 0-3 loss to Atlético Madrid last weekend, a result that leaves them 13th in La Liga with seven points. Their recent form has been mixed, with two wins, a draw, and two losses in their last five league outings. Croatian midfielder Luka Sučić, with two goals in six appearances, is the team's top scorer this season.
Key defensive absences
Manager Imanol Alguacil will be without two key defenders. Igor Zubeldia is sidelined with a muscle injury and is expected back at the end of the month. The longer-term absence is Álvaro Odriozola, who has a cruciate ligament injury and is out until November. This forces adjustments to the starting lineup, with players like Jon Aramburu or Sergio Gómez likely to feature.
Bournemouth arrive after a 2-2 draw with Brentford in the Premier League. The English side are on a four-match unbeaten run, though they have drawn three of those games. Striker Evanilson and midfielder Marcus Tavernier are their main threats. Andoni Iraola's team also has significant injuries, including defender Julián Araujo and midfielder Amine Adli.
For Real Sociedad, this match is a chance to shift momentum after the league setback. Their win at Elche last week showed the team's attacking capability, where they scored three goals. The full squad and upcoming schedule can be checked on our squad and fixtures pages.
The game against Bournemouth is the first of the league stage, a new format where every point counts for qualification. After the European fixture, Real Sociedad travel to Mestalla to face Valencia on Sunday in the seventh matchday of La Liga.
