Real Sociedad vs Alavés is set to bring a sharp test to Anoeta on Saturday at 14: 00 ET, with the hosts looking to build on their recent league momentum and the visitors arriving on a three-match unbeaten run. Real Sociedad are seventh in the La Liga table, three points behind sixth-placed Celta Vigo, while Alavés sit 15th and three points outside the relegation zone. This is Real Sociedad vs Alavés in the middle of a tense stretch for both clubs, with the hosts also preparing for the Copa del Rey final on April 18.
Real Sociedad vs Alavés brings pressure on both sides
Real Sociedad won 2-0 against Levante last time out and have now taken victory in two of their last three matches. Their home record in the league has been strong, with eight wins, three draws and four defeats from 15 matches, and they have also won their last three home games in all competitions. The timing matters: this is their final league fixture before the cup final against Atletico Madrid, so the result will shape the mood around the squad heading into that date.
Alavés come into the match after a 2-2 draw with Osasuna, a result that extended their unbeaten run in Spain’s top flight to three games and added five points across that stretch. Their away form remains a concern, though, with 10 defeats from 15 league matches on the road and only 13 goals scored away from home. Even so, the visitors have been hard to shake in recent weeks, losing only two of their last seven league games.
Aritz returns as Real Sociedad manage absences
The squad picture is clearer for some players than others. Real Sociedad will be without Inaki Ruperez, Alvaro Odriozola, Yangel Herrera and Jon Gorrotxategi because of injury, while Igor Zubeldia needs assessment before a final call is made. Aritz is expected to return to the starting XI, and the side could otherwise stay close to the group that started against Levante. Mikel Oyarzabal is in line to continue through the middle, with Ander Barrenetxea and Goncalo Guedes also likely to keep their places.
On the Alavés side, Carlos Protesoni is a doubt because of a muscular problem, while Denis Suarez is available again after suspension. Lucas Boye, who scored off the bench in the last match, is expected to be back in the XI alongside Toni Martinez, who has three goals and one assist in his last two league appearances.
Contract questions follow Aritz into Real Sociedad vs Alavés
Aritz’s situation adds another layer to Real Sociedad vs Alavés. His contract runs to June 2026, and there have been no updates since early February on his future, leaving his next steps unresolved while he remains a captain alongside Mikel Oyarzabal, Zubeldia and Ander Barrenetxea. He has played limited league and cup minutes this season, but he is still being asked to provide cover at a moment when the squad is stretched.
For Real Sociedad, the immediate task is simple: protect their position in the European race and head into the cup final with more confidence. For Alavés, the aim is just as urgent, to keep widening the gap from danger and keep their recent run alive. Real Sociedad vs Alavés now arrives as a match that can alter momentum on both benches before attention shifts again to the next fixture.
