Real Sociedad are looking for a European boost to shift their momentum after a tough domestic setback. The txuri-urdin side host Bournemouth at the Reale Arena on Thursday to begin the Europa League League Stage, a chance to move on from the 3-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid last weekend.
The Basque club approach the match sitting 13th in LaLiga with seven points from a possible eighteen. Their record of two wins, one draw and three losses reflects the inconsistency they aim to correct in continental competition. Imanol Alguacil's team can lean on the form of Luka Sučić, the team's top scorer with two goals in six appearances.
Defensive absences at Anoeta
The main concern for the fixture lies in defence. The club confirmed that Igor Zubeldia and Álvaro Odriozola are ruled out. Zubeldia, with a muscle injury, will not be available until the end of the month, while Odriozola, with a cruciate ligament injury, faces a longer recovery. These absences will force adjustments at centre-back and right-back.
Opponents Bournemouth arrive on a run of four unbeaten matches in the Premier League, including draws with Brentford and Newcastle. The Cherries also have significant absentees, such as forward Eli Junior Kroupi and defender Julián Araujo. The battle in midfield, where Carlos Soler and Tyler Adams are expected to clash, will be key.
For La Real, this match kicks off a demanding week that continues on Sunday with a trip to Mestalla to face Valencia. The squad needs to recover the confidence and defensive solidity that has been lacking, having conceded eleven goals in six league games. Supporters can check the full schedule on our fixtures page and the latest squad news.
The match is scheduled for Thursday 17 September at 21:00 local time in San Sebastián. A win in their European opener would be the perfect tonic to lift spirits in Gipuzkoa.
