Real Sociedad welcome Villarreal to the Reale Arena on Friday 26 September 2026 (21:00 CEST) for the Jornada 6 opener. La Real drew 1–1 at Atlético in Jornada 5; Villarreal beat Real Betis 2–1 at the Estadio de la Cerámica, with Danjuma making an immediate impact off the bench. Both clubs are mid-table on 8 points with ambitions of a European finish.
Real Sociedad: home comforts
Imanol Alguacil's La Real are better at home than away — the Atlético draw was creditable but the Reale Arena, where they've scored in every Jornada, is their platform. Oyarzabal and Kubo carry the attack; Zubimendi screens from deep.
Real Sociedad Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-3-3
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Villarreal: Danjuma factor
Quique Setién's Villarreal arrive off a Betis win with momentum. Danjuma's arrival (on loan from Atlético Madrid) adds a direct runner behind the defensive line that the Yellow Submarine lacked earlier in the season. Baena creates from wide areas.
Names to know
- Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad, FWD): leads La Real's attack, dangerous on set pieces.
- Take Kubo (Real Sociedad, FWD): creativity from the right, Japan's most-discussed La Liga player.
- Arnaut Danjuma (Villarreal, FWD): pace and directness on loan — first start expected.
- Álex Baena (Villarreal, MID): key-pass threat and assists machine in the Jornada 4 win.
- Predictor: Real Sociedad 1–1 Villarreal.
Verdict
Even contest; a goal each is the most likely outcome on Jornada 6 form. Prediction: Real Sociedad 1–1 Villarreal.