Real Sociedad Clash with Barcelona: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups and Match Breakdown
Barcelona return to the pitch this Sunday as they travel to face Real Sociedad in La Liga, aiming to extend their remarkable streak to 12 straight victories across all tournaments.
Under Hansi Flick's guidance, Barcelona has achieved the joint second-longest winning run in the club's history, a streak that delivered their first trophy of the campaign. The atmosphere around the Catalan giants couldn't be more positive as they shift focus back to La Liga, where they've maintained a flawless record since the end of October.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad heads into the weekend sitting merely four points above the La Liga drop zone. Their disappointing start to the season led to former coach Sergio Francisco's dismissal, leaving new manager Pellegrino Matarazzo with significant challenges to overcome in stabilizing the team.
However, Barcelona only narrowly defeated La Real in their earlier encounter this season and suffered a loss during their previous visit to San Sebastián last campaign. To maintain their excellent form, Barcelona must deliver their finest performance on Sunday evening.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this La Liga encounter.
What Time Does Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona Kick Off?
What Time Does Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona Kick Off?
Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Real Sociedad | Barcelona |
|---|---|
Real Sociedad 2–2 (4–3 pens) Osasuna - 13/1/26 | Racing 0–2 Barcelona - 15/1/26 |
Getafe 1–2 Real Sociedad - 9/1/26 | Barcelona 3–2 Real Madrid - 11/1/26 |
Real Sociedad 1–1 Atlético Madrid - 4/1/26 | Barcelona 5–0 Athletic Club - 7/1/26 |
Levante 1–1 Real Sociedad - 20/12/25 | Espanyol 0–2 Barcelona - 3/1/26 |
Eldense 1–2 Real Sociedad - 16/12/25 | Villarreal 0–2 Barcelona - 21/12/25 |
How to Watch Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | ESPN Select, fuboTV, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes |
United Kingdom | Premier Sports 2, Premier Sports Player |
Canada | TSN+ |
Mexico | Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+ |
Real Sociedad Team News
Real Sociedad Team News
In just his third match at the helm, Matarazzo will be hoping Real Sociedad can pull off a surprise result that could provide the spark their season desperately needs.
Yangel Herrera and Orri Óskarsson remain the sole fitness doubts for this fixture. With a largely fit squad available, Matarazzo is likely to stick with the 4-4-2 formation he has utilized throughout his brief stint at Anoeta.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Méndez are set to spearhead the attack, with Gonçalo Guedes and Takefusa Kubo providing width. Veteran midfielder Carlos Soler will control the center of the park while Spain's Álex Remiro faces the monumental challenge of keeping Barcelona's potent offense at bay.
Real Sociedad Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Real Sociedad Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (4-4-2): Remiro; Aramburu, Martín, Caleta-Car, Gómez; Kubo, Turrientes, Soler, Guedes; Méndez, Oyarzabal.
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona Team News
Hansi Flick made fewer changes than anticipated during the midweek Copa del Rey triumph over Racing. The German tactician may well field the same starting eleven that featured against Real Madrid in last week's Spanish Super Cup Final.
Eric García is set to replace Gerard Martín in central defense, while Frenkie de Jong will return from his suspension to partner Pedri in the middle of the park. Raphinha will occupy his customary left-wing position, and Robert Lewandowski—who netted the decisive goal in the previous meeting with Real Sociedad—is expected to lead the attack.
While unlikely to start, winter acquisition João Cancelo could make his second Barcelona debut with a substitute appearance in the latter stages of the match.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Real Sociedad
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Real Sociedad
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): García; Koundé, Cubarsí, García, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, López, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona Score Prediction
Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona Score Prediction
Despite their impressive results, Barcelona have shown less commanding performances away from home during their winning run and may struggle against a rejuvenated Real Sociedad side.
La Real remain unbeaten in 2026, have appeared more solid under their new manager, and possess players capable of exploiting Barcelona's vulnerabilities.
Barcelona have found it challenging to break down defensive setups in recent matches, but with Raphinha in exceptional form, they've consistently discovered solutions when needed. Sunday's encounter should follow a similar pattern, with the visitors needing to work hard but ultimately finding the breakthrough that sets them on course for victory.
This promises to be a tight contest with Barcelona likely to face some anxious moments late in the game, but with Joan García performing at his current standard, the Catalans should manage to secure the win and maintain their position in the title chase.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 1–2 Barcelona