Real Sociedad is deep in preparations for a decisive match marathon that will define their early season. The blue-and-white team resumed training this Thursday at Zubieta after a well-earned day off. Sitting ninth in La Liga with 7 points from 5 games and a -2 goal difference, their schedule intensifies with three matches in seven days.
The squad held a recovery session on Tuesday, though without goalkeeper Álex Remiro, who had club permission to be absent. Work restarted on Thursday at 18:00 with the first of three scheduled sessions before Sunday's clash. Morning sessions at 11:00 are planned for Friday and Saturday, focused on specific tactical preparation.
Which matches make up this marathon?
Real Sociedad's immediate calendar is demanding. On Sunday at 21:00 they host Atlético Madrid, who are seventh in the table. In midweek, the team travels for a continental fixture against Bournemouth. The cycle closes the following Sunday with a trip to Mestalla to face Valencia. Three matches in seven days will severely limit the squad's rest and physical recovery time, especially with European commitments.
This packed fixtures schedule comes during a period of inconsistent performance. The San Sebastián side has a record of 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses from their first five league games, with recent form alternating between positive and negative results. Also, the team trails leaders Barcelona by 5 points, making this run of games important for correcting their course.
How do injuries affect the preparation?
The coaching staff's planning must account for the absence of two key players. Pablo Marín and Álvaro Odriozola are currently on the injuries list, reducing the options available for rotation during a week with such a heavy competitive load. Their absence could be particularly felt at right-back and in creative areas, just when freshness is needed across all lines.
Managing workload will be essential. This week's training sessions aim to fine-tune tactical details for three opponents with very different profiles: Atlético's solidity, Bournemouth's intensity, and Valencia's style of play. Each session at Zubieta is designed to maximize performance while minimizing injury risk during such a condensed period.
What is expected from the Atlético match?
The first test of this triple challenge is also the most immediate. Atlético Madrid visits the Reale Arena this Sunday, September 13, 2026, in a clash between two contenders for European spots. Real Sociedad, with 6 goals scored and 8 conceded this season, needs to improve its defensive solidity against a rival with strong attacking power.
A good result against the Colchoneros would provide a huge morale boost before the continental trip. The blue-and-white team must find a balance between the intensity required to compete and preserving energy for the upcoming challenges. The starting lineup on Sunday could offer clues about the manager's priorities for this marathon week.
Focus is total at Zubieta. Jorge Serrano from Mundo Deportivo's editorial team noted that the team "enjoys its last breather" before this trial by fire. All efforts are aimed at arriving in the best possible condition for a period that could shape the season's trajectory. The match against Atlético Madrid, at home, is the mandatory first step.
