La Liga Preview: Valladolid’s Defense Weakens, Real Sociedad’s Attack Blunts as Both Teams Struggle

At 20:00 on September 21, in the sixth round of the 2024-25 La Liga season, Real Valladolid will host Real Sociedad at the Estadio Nuevo José Zorrilla by the Pisuerga River.

Both teams are currently in poor form. While it is not surprising that newly-promoted Real Valladolid sits 17th in the league, it is unexpected for Real Sociedad, who finished in the top six of La Liga in each of the past five seasons, to be placed 16th.

As a newly-promoted team, Real Valladolid had a strong start with a 1-0 victory over RCD Espanyol in the first round. However, they have since suffered one draw and three losses in the following four rounds. Currently, they have scored the fewest goals (only two) and conceded the most (thirteen) in La Liga. This is partly due to their tough schedule, which included away games against Real Madrid (0-3) and Barcelona (0-7) within the first five rounds. Nevertheless, Real Valladolid’s defense needs significant improvement.

Real Sociedad’s start to this season has been poor, with only one win, one draw, and four losses in the first six rounds of La Liga. They have scored only three goals, making them one of the three teams with the fewest goals in La Liga, showing a severe decline in offensive capability compared to last season.

Marca believes that Real Sociedad’s main problems are twofold: the loss of key players like Mikel Merino and Robin Le Normand in the summer, while new signings like Susic and Oskarsson have yet to integrate into the system. Additionally, there have been many injuries early in the season, with more than five players injured in previous matches, sometimes nearing double digits. These issues are gradually easing as the season progresses, and there is general belief that Real Sociedad can recover, but when remains uncertain.

In terms of head-to-head records, both teams have won three times and drawn four times in their last ten encounters, indicating a balanced rivalry. Focusing on Real Valladolid’s home games, Real Sociedad has visited here eight times recently, recording one win, six draws, and one loss, suggesting a high probability of a draw.

In terms of squad availability, midfielder Mario Martín, signed from Real Madrid and who made three appearances in the first five rounds, was sent off in the last game and will be suspended for this match. Moroccan midfielder Tuhami continues his recovery from injury. A player to watch is 21-year-old Raul Moro, who joined from Lazio and is Real Valladolid’s top scorer with two goals. For Real Sociedad, right-back Hamari Traoré, Odriozola, and midfielder Zakharjan are confirmed absent due to injuries, while another three to four players who missed recent rounds are gradually returning to training, though how long they can play remains uncertain.

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