Real Sociedad travel to La Rosaleda to face Malaga this Sunday in the ninth round of La Liga, a clash that comes on the heels of a demanding European draw. The side, sixth in the table with 13 points after eight games, is looking to get back to winning ways in the league.
The team's last match was a 1-1 draw away to Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, part of the UEFA Europa League group stage. Beñat Turrientes, who came on in the second half for Yangel Herrera, scored for the Basque side. However, a goal from Keita from a set piece spoiled the win, which was only saved by a goal-line clearance from Sylla in the final play of the match.
League context and form
La Real approach this fixture with a record of four wins, one draw and three defeats from their first eight league games. Having scored 12 goals and conceded 15, the team needs to find greater defensive solidity to climb the standings in a very tight table. Croatian Sučić, with three goals in eight appearances, is the team's top scorer this campaign.
The schedule of a double gameweek, with Europa League and domestic matches, is forcing the management of players' minutes. In the last starting eleven, against Union Saint-Gilloise, he lined up with Unai Marrero in goal, a defence of Zubeldia, Jon Martín, M. Sarr and Sergio Gómez. Jon Gorrotxategi and Yangel Herrera provided balance in midfield, with J. Ochieng and Gonçalo Guedes on the wings, and Sučić alongside Mikel Oyarzabal up front.
The opponent at La Rosaleda
Malaga, who sit in 20th place, come into this duel after a 1-1 home draw against Espanyol in their last league outing. Their manager, who usually sets up in a 4-1-4-1, has players like goalkeeper A. Herrero and midfielders D. Larrubia and R. Rodríguez at his disposal. For Real Sociedad, this match represents a golden opportunity to pick up points away from home before the next international break.
The match is scheduled for Sunday, October 18 at the La Rosaleda stadium. The last time the two sides met, in February, the victory went to Real Sociedad B by a 2-1 scoreline. The team will travel to Malaga intent on proving that accumulated fatigue will not be an obstacle in their fight for European places.
