Real Sociedad vs Atl. Madrid Prediction & Betting Tips (4 January)

Real Sociedad is languishing at the bottom of the table in 16th place, in great danger in the race to remain. It must be said that the results do not correspond to expectations. To date, Sociedad has not won for four days, including three defeats in a row against Villarreal 2-3, Alaves 1-0 and the reception of Girona 1-2. Before the break, the Basques avoided a fourth defeat in a row by picking up the point from a draw at Levante 1-1. A result which remains, basically, bad, since the Granotes are last in La Liga.

For its part, Atlético Madrid raised its head following its two major defeats against Barça 3-1 and Athletic Bilbao 1-0. Indeed, the team from the capital successively beat PSV in the Champions League 2-3, Valencia in the championship 2-1, the Balearic Islands in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey 2-3 and Girona at Montilivi before the winter break 0-3. In the standings, Antoine Griezmann's partners resurfaced on the podium 3rd but strongly threatened by Villarreal. 

2 starters will remain in the stands this evening due to suspension for accumulation of yellow cards. We think of central defender Zubeldia and midfielder Gorrotxategi. Defender Aramburu will return from suspension. Injured, Beitia, Ruperez, Oskarsson (absent since returning from the international break in September), Barrenetxea (3 goals, 3 assists in La Liga), Yangel Herrera (midfielder recruited at the expense of Girona last summer) and the Frenchman Lebarbier are all likely to forfeit. Absent for two weeks, captain and Spanish international Mikel Oyarzabal (5 goals, 3 assists in La Liga) returned as a starter before the international break. Out with an injury in the first half against Girona, Nico Gonzalez (starter) could be missing for this restart match in the Basque Country. He is not the only one receiving treatment since central defender Gimenez, already absent for a good part of the first half of the season, returned to the infirmary just like Lenglet or the former creator of Villarreal: Alex Baena (2 goals, 1 assist in La Liga this season), uncertain this evening.

Antoine Griezmann, now a substitute, finished 2025 very well with 4 goals in his last 3 matches in all competitions, including a doblete against the Balearics in the Copa del Rey. The ex-French international knows it, his career at Atlético is coming to an end, and his probable last chance of a title with the Colchoneros could be in the Copa del Rey.The probable line-ups for Real Sociedad - Atlético Madrid:Real Sociedad: Remiro - Aramburu, Martin, Caleta-Car, Gomez - Soler, Sucic - Kubo, Mendes, Guedes - Oyarzabal.Atlético Madrid : Oblak - Llorente, Pubill, Le Normand, Hancko - G.Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Baena - Sörloth, Alvarez.