Real Sociedad enters the winter break of LaLiga 2025/26 with just 1.4 goals per game, a figure that places the txuri-urdin side in fifth place on the scoring charts. With 0 goals scored and 0 conceded after seven matchdays, Imanol Alguacil’s side faces a tough pause after a shaky start that has already cost them 0 points and a 0-0 draw against Elche in the last game.
Why is Real Sociedad scoring so little?
The low goals-per-game average of 1.4 contrasts sharply with the leaders: Barcelona (2.5), Real Madrid (2.0), and Villarreal (1.9). Only five teams have scored fewer than the Donostiarra in the opening seven matchdays, and among them are direct rivals like Osasuna (1.1) and Athletic Club (1.1). The lack of a clear striker is glaring. Alexander Isak, sidelined since the season opener, remains absent, and stand-ins like Ander Barrenetxea or Takefusa Kubo have failed to fill the void. Problems on the left wing-where Mikel Merino hasn’t settled as a winger-add another layer of difficulty in creating clear chances.
Which rivals stand in the way?
The next test comes on January 17, 2027, when Real Sociedad travel to Atlético Madrid, second in the table with 34 points. The Rojiblancos, led by Antoine Griezmann, are one of the sides that have struggled most against the txuri-urdin: in their last five meetings, they’ve managed just one draw (1-1) and three defeats. But the schedule doesn’t ease up: after facing Atlético, trips to Villarreal (1.9 goals per game) and the Basque derby against Athletic Club loom, where the pressure for three points will be intense.
Is there a way back up the table?
The board is already working on solutions. According to sources close to the club, two profiles are being considered: a central striker with a nose for goal and a left-footed winger to unlock the left flank. Meanwhile, in the dugout, Imanol Alguacil is rotating Kubo, Oihan Sancet, and Portu to give minutes to those who best fit the system. The next matchday, after the break, is critical: the team needs at least a point against Elche to avoid slipping to 17th in the standings.
League standing: 17th in LaLiga, 0 pts. Goals this season: 0 scored, 0 conceded (0 goal difference). Next fixture: vs Atlético Madrid (away, January 17, 2027).
