As La Liga action continues in the 2025/2026 season, Real Sociedad host Real Oviedo at the Reale Arena on February 21, 2026. Real Sociedad sit comfortably in 8th place with 31 points from 24 matches, while Real Oviedo languish in 20th with 16 points from 23 games, embroiled in a fierce relegation battle. The hosts have been solid on their home turf, remaining unbeaten in their last five home outings, whereas the visitors have struggled significantly away from home, failing to secure a win in their last 12 away matches.
Turning to recent form, Real Sociedad have shown a mix of results in their last five outings: a 4-1 loss to Real Madrid on February 14, a 1-1 draw with Athletic Club on February 1, a 3-1 win over Celta Vigo on January 25, a 2-1 victory against Barcelona on January 18, and a 1-1 draw with Atlético Madrid. This gives them a balanced run with two wins, two draws, and one defeat. In contrast, Real Oviedo are in a slump, with their last five results reading as losses to Athletic Club (2-1), Girona (1-0), Barcelona (3-0), and Osasuna (3-2), plus a 1-1 draw with Real Betis, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities and inability to string together positive results.
Key players could make a difference despite injury concerns for both sides. For Real Sociedad, Mikel Oyarzabal leads the way with 10 goals and 3 assists in 21 appearances, supported by Carlos Soler's 3 assists. However, they will be without several players due to injuries: Arsen Zakharyan (calf/muscle), Gonçalo Guedes (muscle), Ander Barrenetxea (thigh), Luka Sucic, Takefusa Kubo, and Unai Marrero, with Aritz Elustondo doubtful due to gastrointestinal issues. Real Oviedo rely on Federico Vinas, who has netted 3 goals in 19 games, but they face absences with Ovie Ejaria (muscle/groin injury), David Costas (muscle/groin), Jaime Vazquez (injury), and Santiago Colombatto suspended.
Tactically, Real Sociedad are expected to line up in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Alex Remiro in goal and Mikel Oyarzabal up front, while Real Oviedo opt for a 4-2-3-1 setup led by Federico Vinas. In head-to-head encounters, the teams have met once this season, with Real Oviedo claiming a 1-0 victory on August 30, 2025, thanks to a goal from Leander Dendoncker, which could give the visitors a sliver of confidence despite their overall struggles.
Looking ahead, Real Sociedad's home form and better recent results make them the favorites, but predictions must account for the uncertainties. They could edge this one due to their mid-table momentum, though Real Oviedo's desperation in the relegation fight might lead to a spirited performance. Overall, it's leaning towards a Real Sociedad win, but the match could be closer than expected given the visitors' resilience in draws.
