Match Preview: Real Sociedad vs Villarreal

In the upcoming La Liga clash between Real Sociedad and Villarreal on 13th January 2025, the historical data and recent form point towards a potentially tight contest, but with an edge leaning towards the visiting side. Historically, Villarreal has had the upper hand with 14 victories out of the last 32 matchups, compared to Real Sociedad’s 9 wins, and both teams have settled for a draw on 9 occasions.

Real Sociedad’s current form at home has been below par, averaging only 1.22 points per game. On the flip side, Villarreal has demonstrated strong performances away, collecting an average of 1.89 points per game. This disparity in form could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the match.

In terms of goals, previous encounters have averaged 2.47 goals per game and both teams have managed to score in 56% of these clashes. Given these statistics, there is a possibility for both teams finding the net.

Overall, considering Villarreal’s superior form on the road and their historical advantage over Real Sociedad, an away win seems more likely. However, the potential for a draw remains, especially if Real Sociedad manage to capitalize on any early momentum. Expect a competitive game, possibly with goals from both sides.

Insights

• Villarreal has a historical advantage with 14 wins compared to Real Sociedad’s 9 in their last 32 meetings.
• The teams have played 32 times recently, with an even spread of 9 draws.
• Villarreal secured a narrow 0-1 victory in their last encounter against Real Sociedad.
• Real Sociedad’s home form is poor, implying vulnerability in home matches.
• Villarreal is performing well in away games this season.
• In games between Real Sociedad and Villarreal, the average goals per match have been 2.47.
• Both Teams to Score (BTTS) has occurred 56% of the time in their past encounters.
• Real Sociedad is averaging 1.22 points per game in home matches this La Liga season.
• Villarreal is averaging 1.89 points per game in away matches this La Liga season.

Match Forecast

• Real Sociedad may dominate possession, focusing on ball retention and control.
• Villarreal could exploit their strength in creating scoring chances, especially through quick counters and attacking set pieces.
• With Real Sociedad’s strong ability to steal the ball, Villarreal might experience disruptions in their attacking rhythm.
• Villarreal’s weakness in avoiding offside may lead to halted attacking plays and lost opportunities.
• Real Sociedad might try to exploit Villarreal’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially when attacking down the right flank.
• Villarreal’s strong aerial presence could pose a significant threat during set pieces against Real Sociedad.
• If Real Sociedad gains an early lead, their ability to protect it will be crucial against Villarreal’s capacity for comebacks.
• Real Sociedad’s difficulty in finishing chances might result in missed opportunities to score.
• Villarreal may struggle to defend against wide plays from Real Sociedad due to their weakness in defending against wing attacks.
• Both teams might get caught offside frequently due to their shared weaknesses in this area.

Match Facts

• The most frequent scoreline between Real Sociedad San Sebastian and Villarreal CF is 1-1, with 9 matches concluding with this outcome.
• In the last 24 home games for Real Sociedad San Sebastian against Villarreal CF, they have won 5 times, drawn 8 times, and lost 11 times. Villarreal CF holds a goal advantage of 35-24.
• Out of the last 50 encounters between the two teams, Real Sociedad San Sebastian has emerged victorious 13 times, while Villarreal CF has won 21 times, with 16 matches ending in draws. Villarreal CF leads in goal difference, 70-51.
• Last season’s fixtures resulted in a 1-3 home loss for Real Sociedad San Sebastian and a 0-3 home win for Villarreal CF.
• Real Sociedad San Sebastian scores 44% of their goals between the 76th and 90th minute, the highest percentage in the league.
• Villarreal CF finds the back of the net 32% of the time during the 76th to 90th minute.
• Real Sociedad San Sebastian is unbeaten in their last 5 home fixtures.
• In their 9 home games in LaLiga this season, Real Sociedad San Sebastian failed to score on 3 occasions.
• Villarreal CF has not scored in 2 of their 9 away matches in LaLiga this season.
• Mikel Oyarzabal is the top scorer for Real Sociedad San Sebastian with 4 goals, while Ayoze Perez leads Villarreal CF with 8 goals.
• Sergio Gomez has provided the most assists for Real Sociedad San Sebastian with 4, whereas Alex Baena is the top assister for Villarreal CF with 6.
• Igor Zubeldia leads Real Sociedad San Sebastian with 5 yellow cards, while Dani Parejo has 6 yellow cards for Villarreal CF.
• Villarreal CF has conceded goals in each of their last 7 matches.
• Real Sociedad San Sebastian wins the first half in 28% of their matches, while Villarreal CF does so in 32% of theirs.
• Villarreal CF was the victor in their most recent encounter against Real Sociedad San Sebastian, winning by 2 goals.
• When Real Sociedad San Sebastian takes a 1-0 lead at home, they win 80% of the time.
• Villarreal CF wins 80% of their matches after leading 0-1 away.
• Real Sociedad San Sebastian does not win any of their home matches when trailing 0-1.
• Villarreal CF wins 28% of their matches when they are down 1-0 away.
• In LaLiga, Real Sociedad San Sebastian has outperformed Villarreal CF.
• Real Sociedad San Sebastian has shown better form in the last 5 matches compared to Villarreal CF.
• In the last 5 encounters, Real Sociedad San Sebastian won 3 times and Villarreal CF won 2 times, with no draws.
• Real Sociedad San Sebastian averages 1.4 goals per match against Villarreal CF, who average 1.2 goals against Real Sociedad San Sebastian.
• The average number of goals in meetings between the two teams is 2.6.
• The average number of first-half goals in matches between Real Sociedad San Sebastian and Villarreal CF is 1.2.
• When playing at home, Real Sociedad San Sebastian averages 1.08 goals, while Villarreal CF averages 1.84 goals on the road.