Real Sociedad held to draw by Wolves in pre-season friendly
Real Sociedad began their 2026-27 pre-season with a 1-1 draw against Wolves in a friendly played on July 25. Imanol Alguacil’s side sought minutes and tactical variations, but the result left a sour taste for the Txuri-Urdin.
What happened in the Wolves friendly?
The match, played at Wolves’ stadium, started with home pressure. The English side struck first in the 28th minute after a Basque defensive error, which Sá capitalized on, but Real Sociedad fought back. Zubimendi equalized in the 35th minute with a long-range strike that found the top corner. Alguacil’s side controlled better after the break, though they couldn’t find the winning goal.
The manager set up with Zubiaurre in goal, Le Normand and Zubimendi at the back, and Zubimendi as the pivot. Up front, Oyarzabal led the attack with Barrenetxea and Merino providing support. The lack of cutting edge remains Real Sociedad’s main weakness after a campaign that saw them score 59 goals and concede 61.
Why this friendly matters for Real Sociedad
Pre-season friendlies are vital for Alguacil to test his starting XI and blood youngsters like Zubiaurre or Arellano. After finishing 10th in La Liga in 2025-26 with 46 points -11 wins, 13 draws, and 14 losses- consistency will be key. Their recent form offers little comfort: in their last five games, Real Sociedad managed zero wins, three draws, and two defeats (DDDLL).
The draw with Wolves doesn’t solve the attacking doubts, but it does allow an assessment of key men like Oyarzabal or Merino. The side also remains without Álvaro Odriozola, the right-back still sidelined ahead of this clash.
What’s next for Real Sociedad?
After facing Wolves, Real Sociedad enters a summer break before resuming training. The squad has room to strengthen in the transfer window, though the Basque club rarely splashes big money. Meanwhile, fans wait to see if the team can break their streak of consecutive draws and move past the scoring drought that dogged them late last season.
League standing (final 2025 table - new season not yet under way): 10th in La Liga, 46 pts, 11W-13D-14L from 38 games, recent form DLDDL. Goals this season: 59 scored, 61 conceded (-2 goal difference). Title race: 48 points behind leaders Barcelona. Last result: Espanyol 1-1 Real Sociedad (2026-05-23). Recent form (last 5): 0W-3D-2L (DDDLL, most recent first). Currently sidelined: Álvaro Odriozola.
