Real Sociedad vs Almeria

Real Sociedad and Almeria are set to face off against each other in contrasting La Liga circumstances at the Reale Arena.

Real Sociedad’s inexorable march toward a first Champions League qualification since 2013/14 took a massive stride at the weekend as they edged out newly-crowned champions Barcelona 2-1 to extend their unbeaten league streak to six matches (W4, D2). After becoming the first Spanish side to triumph at Camp Nou this season, ‘La Real’ come into midweek proceedings harboring a five-point lead on fifth-placed Villarreal. Victory over sub-par Almeria would likely seal the deal for Imanol Alguacil’s men, who are unbeaten in their last seven home league outings (W4, D3) since a 1-0 defeat to Valladolid in early February. Despite netting by far the fewest goals among sides starting this matchday in the top four (47), Sociedad can draw confidence from scoring precisely twice in their last five home games.

In the meantime, Almeria’s problems with inconsistent performances could still come back to haunt them after their last five La Liga matches alternated between victories (3) and defeats (2). The visitors boast a four-point lead on 18th-placed Valladolid at the start of this round, meaning they’re not off the hook yet, especially considering their penchants for dropping points away from home. Alongside dead-last Elche, ‘Los Rojiblancos’ are the joint-poorest La Liga travelers this season, having amassed a mere seven points across their 17 league trips thus far (W1, D4, L12). And with that solitary win coming at fellow relegation rivals Getafe, Almeria’s prospects of defying the odds in San Sebastian look rather far-fetched. Adding to this sentiment, since defeating Getafe in late April, Rubi’s men have lost back-to-back away matches by an aggregate score of 7-3.