1. Main Players Comparison
Real Sociedad
Core: Álex Remiro (GK, 36 apps), Martín Zubimendi (2962 mins, 2A, 1G – but has left), Sergio Gómez (2A, 5G), Jon Aramburu (28 apps, 1G, 1A).
Attack: Takefusa Kubo (2382 mins, 5G, 0A), Mikel Oyarzabal (2263 mins, 9G, 3A), Brais Méndez (1540 mins, 3G, 2A).
Output: ~17 goals, ~6 assists among top attackers.
Stability: Reliable defensive core with Remiro in goal, but midfield weakened by Zubimendi’s departure.
Espanyol
Core: Joan García (GK, 38 apps), Omar El Hilali (36 apps, 2A), Marash Kumbulla (34 apps, 3A).
Attack: Javi Puado (2989 mins, 12G, 4A), Roberto Fernández (1508 mins, 6G), Leandro Cabrera (2871 mins, 4A, 2G).
Output: ~20 goals, ~10 assists across main attackers.
Stability: Puado is the talisman, García stable in goal. Squad has more attacking spark but relies heavily on Puado and Roberto Fernández.
Verdict: Espanyol edges in attacking productivity, while Sociedad offers more balanced depth between midfield and attack.
2. New Players Comparison
Real Sociedad
Additions: Gonçalo Guedes (2G, 4A in 989 mins), Caleta-Car (solid defensive presence), Jon Karrikaburu (CF), Sheraldo Becker (2G, 1A in 996 mins).
Output: ~4 goals, ~5 assists from Guedes + Becker.
Impact: Strengthened offensive width with Becker & Guedes, defensive cover from Caleta-Car.
Espanyol
Additions: Tyrhys Dolan (Right winger), Marcos Fernández (CF), José Salinas (LB), Miguel Rubio (CB).
Output: Still settling in, limited stats so far.
Impact: Reinforcements across backline and wings, but no proven output yet.
Verdict: Sociedad’s new signings (Becker, Guedes) have already delivered offensive contributions; Espanyol’s signings are more structural than productive.
3. Substitutes Comparison
Real Sociedad
Impact Players: Ander Barrenetxea (1263 mins, 1G, 3A), Pablo Marín (1238 mins, 1G, 2A), Orri Óskarsson (939 mins, 3G), Jon Olasagasti (851 mins, 1G, 1A).
Totals: ~6 goals, ~7 assists.
Depth: Solid bench creativity, especially Barrenetxea & Óskarsson.
Espanyol
Impact Players: Edu Expósito (1047 mins, 2A), Antoniu Roca (1024 mins, 1A), Irvin Cardona (600 mins, 1G, 1A), Walid Cheddira (634 mins, 1G, 1A).
Totals: ~3 goals, ~5 assists.
Depth: Limited productivity; fewer consistent attacking options than Sociedad.
Verdict: Sociedad’s substitutes clearly provide stronger offensive depth.
4. Consolidated Quality Scorecard
Category | Real Sociedad | Espanyol |
Main Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Remiro, Kubo, Oyarzabal, Méndez) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Puado strong, but heavy reliance) |
New Players | ⭐⭐⭐ (Guedes, Becker delivering output) | ⭐⭐ (structural signings, low impact) |
Substitutes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (bench adds ~6G, 7A) | ⭐⭐ (bench adds ~3G, 5A, modest) |
Overall Depth | Balanced with solid attacking subs | Strong starting XI, weaker bench |
Key Weakness | Lost Zubimendi, midfield less anchored | Over-reliance on Puado/Roberto for goals |
5. Injuries & Suspensions
Real Sociedad
- Jon Gorrotxategi – Doubtful (no top-level appearances yet, limited impact).
Impact: Minimal – not a regular starter.
Espanyol
- Javier Hernández – Absent (new signing, yet to feature significantly).
Impact: Limited – absence won’t alter Espanyol’s main XI structure.
6. Predicted Outcome
Momentum & Depth: Sociedad brings stronger squad balance, Espanyol more direct scoring threats.
Attacking Balance: Espanyol relies heavily on Puado + Roberto Fernández; Sociedad spreads production across Oyarzabal, Kubo, Méndez, and bench support.
Defensive Solidity: Sociedad’s defense (Remiro + Zubeldia + Caleta-Car) provides stability, Espanyol can be exposed on the flanks.
Likely Result: Sociedad’s squad depth and wider goal distribution gives them the edge. Espanyol dangerous in bursts through Puado, but consistency is lacking.
Expected Scoreline:
- Real Sociedad 2 – 1 Espanyol
