Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo: European Dreams vs Survival Fight in LaLiga Clash

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⚽ Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo – LaLiga, Round 36 Match Preview

📍 Venue: Reale Arena, San Sebastián
🗓 Date: May 13, 2025
🕖 Kick-off: 19:00 (local time)

With just three matches remaining in the 2024/25 LaLiga season, Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo face off in a high-stakes battle with very different goals. The Basque side is chasing a European spot, while the visitors are fighting for survival.

🔵 Real Sociedad: Focused on Europe

Real Sociedad come into this fixture in 6th place, clinging to the final Europa League qualifying spot. Their form in 2025 has been solid but not spectacular, with manager Imanol Alguacil prioritizing structure and control.

📊 LaLiga 2025 (from January):

  • Wins: 6

  • Draws: 3

  • Losses: 2

  • Goals For: 15

  • Goals Against: 8

At home, the team has been particularly effective. The Reale Arena has become a stronghold, with Sociedad unbeaten in their last 6 home games, conceding just three goals during that run. Mikel Oyarzabal has led the line confidently, with Takefusa Kubo and Brais Méndez providing creativity.

🔷 Celta Vigo: Relegation Threat Looms

Celta Vigo are in 17th place, hovering just above the drop zone by a single point. Their form in 2025 has been patchy, though recent performances suggest they’re ready to fight until the end.

📊 LaLiga 2025 (from January):

  • Wins: 3

  • Draws: 4

  • Losses: 4

  • Goals For: 12

  • Goals Against: 16

Celta’s away record remains a concern, with just 1 win on the road in their last 10. Iago Aspas, the eternal talisman, has struggled to find consistency, but new signing Tadeo Allende has injected some energy into the attack. Defensive errors, however, continue to haunt Rafael Benítez’s squad.

🔄 Head-to-Head in 2025

  • 🟦 February 2025: Celta Vigo 0–1 Real Sociedad (Matchday 17, rescheduled)

That tight victory in Vigo showcased Sociedad’s tactical maturity, controlling possession and limiting Celta to half-chances. Expect a similar approach in San Sebastián.

⚖️ Tactical Outlook

  • Sociedad will look to dominate the ball, using their midfield trio of Zubimendi, Méndez, and Merino to stretch play and exploit Celta’s full-backs.

  • Celta must remain compact, target set-pieces, and hope for moments of brilliance from Aspas or Allende on the counter.

🧠 Prediction: Real Sociedad 2–0 Celta Vigo

The hosts are disciplined, motivated, and in better form. Against a Celta side that struggles on the road, Sociedad are favorites to collect all three points and edge closer to European qualification.

✅ Betting Tips:

  • Real Sociedad to Win

  • Under 2.5 Goals

  • Real Sociedad Clean Sheet – Yes