Preview:

Real Sociedad enters Friday’s clash under mounting pressure, sitting 14th in La Liga with just 16 points from 15 matches, their worst return at this stage since the 2015-16 season. After back-to-back league defeats halted what had been a five-match unbeaten run (W3, D2), Sergio Francisco’s side must respond to avoid being pulled directly into the relegation fight. Their home form provides some reassurance, with three of their four league wins coming at the Reale Arena, but their historical struggles in Friday fixtures (only three wins from their last 11) add an element of uncertainty. Sociedad remain the league’s weakest first-half performers (HT: W1, D7, L7), often relying on late surges; 14 of their 19 league goals have come after the break. They also face a stretched squad, with star forward Mikel Oyarzabal among the key absentees. However, Gonçalo Guedes’ streak of impactful goal-scoring could prove decisive if he finds space in transition.

Girona, meanwhile, arrive in the Basque Country with urgency of their own, sitting 18th and two points from safety following a heavy 3-0 defeat to Elche. Despite their relegation position, their recent form paints a more competitive picture: only three losses in their last ten league matches (W2, D5). However, their long-standing away struggles remain a critical weakness, winless on the road this season (D3, L4) and with just one victory in their last 16 La Liga away games. They also possess the division’s joint-lowest shot volume (137) and its leakiest defence (29 conceded), problems compounded by the absence of veteran striker Cristhian Stuani. Girona’s historical record against Sociedad only deepens the challenge: winless in all 10 La Liga meetings (D6, L4) and never victorious away in any competition. With Vladyslav Vanat offering their best hope, four of his last five club goals have come away from home. Girona will need an early breakthrough, fitting their trend of scoring four of their five away goals before the 30th minute, if they hope to end their long drought against La Real.

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