Real Sociedad @ Alavés - April 23, 2025

As a retired coach, I’ve spent countless hours analyzing matchups, evaluating team dynamics, and assessing strategies that can tilt the balance in favor of one side or the other. When Alaves takes on Real Sociedad this Wednesday, I envision an intriguing clash. With Alaves sitting in 18th place and desperate for points while Sociedad occupies the 9th spot, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

In terms of current forms and records, we see Alaves entering this fixture with a record of 7 wins, 10 draws, and 15 losses. For a team sitting in the relegation zone, the pressure is palpable. They’ll undoubtedly be eager to break a cycle that has seen them struggle to convert performances into wins. Their last outing—a 1-1 draw against Sevilla—might provide a glimmer of hope, but the inability to win in that fixture highlighted their ongoing challenges in front of goal.

On the other side, Real Sociedad is in a much more secure position, boasting a 12-6-14 record. They recently played to a thrilling 2-2 draw against Villarreal, showcasing their attacking prowess but also shedding light on defensive vulnerabilities. This balance of play—capable of scoring but with moments of lapses—reminds me of many teams I’ve coached where inconsistency could turn a promising season into a struggle.

Looking at the tactical aspects, I expect Alaves to adopt a more defensive posture early on. Their position in the relegation zone will force them to prioritize solidity in defense, perhaps leaning heavily on a deep-lying block, particularly when facing an attack-minded Sociedad. Counterattacks could become their bread and butter, and they’ll need an assertive strategy to capitalize on any transitional moments.

Meanwhile, Sociedad’s recent tendencies to concede goals suggest they will enter the match with cautious optimism. They will likely push forward aggressively, seeking to exploit the flanks and utilize their mobility and creativity in the final third. When teams face relegation-threatened opponents, the battle often becomes about finding that right balance between pushing for a win and being wary of a sudden defensive breakdown.

This match creates a perfect storm of urgency for Alaves. For Sociedad, it presents a chance to solidify their middle-table position while playing against a desperate opponent. Expect Alaves to play with heart—having everything to gain by clawing their way out of the relegation zone will surely inspire a level of intensity that can be palpable on the pitch.

As for my predictions, I anticipate a closely contested affair. Considering the stakes and Alaves’s drive to secure three points against a mid-table side, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them claim at least a point from this encounter, although a narrow victory for Sociedad remains a significant possibility, particularly if they can capitalize on their scoring chances.

A final score prediction may be a 1-1 draw or perhaps a 2-1 win for the visitors, leaning on the side of Real Sociedad’s recent attacking displays while acknowledging Alaves’s urgent need to fight for every point. Ultimately, while the odds favor Sociedad, don’t count Alaves out—they could very well defy expectations in what promises to be a hard-fought battle.