La Liga focus battle: Real Sociedad vs. Espanyol! Who can seize the opportunity?

At 01:30 on August 25, the second round of La Liga will usher in a high-profile focus showdown, with Real Sociedad playing against Espanyol at home Arnoeta Stadium. Both teams are eager to score three points in this game, laying a solid foundation for the journey of the new season. Before the game, let us analyze the current situation of the two teams in depth and predict the trend of this game.

1. Team's recent situation and season goals

Real Sociedad scored 46 points last season, ranking 11th, and failed to qualify for the European Cup. In the new season, the team is determined to return to the European war zone and show stronger competitiveness. Judging from the preseason and first round performance, the team is in a relatively stable state. The first round was tied with Valencia 1:1, with a ball possession rate of 56%, taking the initiative on the field, but the ability to seize opportunities needs to be improved. In the recent 6 games, Real Sociedad has achieved 2 wins and 4 draws, scored 9 goals and conceded 5 goals, and its defense is stable, but its offensive end is slightly weak.

Espanyol struggled to relegate last season, ranking 14th with 42 points. The team's goal this season is to relegate and strive to make breakthroughs in performance. In the first round of the game, Espanyol defeated Atletico Madrid 2:1 and his morale was greatly boosted. In their last 6 games, they have won 4 wins 2 draws, scored 8 goals and conceded 4 goals, and were in excellent condition and performed well on both ends of offense and defense. However, the away record last season was poor, with only 3 wins, 5 draws and 11 losses in 19 away games.

2. Lineup and tactical analysis

(I) Real Sociedad's lineup is relatively complete, with the main right-back Hamari Traore returning from injury, and no important players are absent. The team is used to use 4-3-3 ball control tactics, and control the rhythm of the game through accurate passes by midfielders. The midfield core Merino has an average pass success rate of up to 89%. He is the team's offensive initiator and rhythm controller. His long pass scheduling ability can effectively connect the wing and the middle. On the

front line, Oyasawar is the core of the offensive, contributing 18 goals and 8 assists last season, scoring 8 goals and 5 assists this season, and has outstanding cutting and shooting and passing skills. He is a key figure in tearing open the opponent's defense line. Japanese international Kenyo Kubo made a sharp breakthrough on the wing and scored in the first round, creating a shooting opportunity for the middle. The team's defender's header success rate reached 76%, and the set piece tactics were quite threatening, with averaging 6.2 corner kicks.

(II) The Espanyol

The Espanyol also has no injuries and can play all the main players. The team mainly plays 4-2-3-1 defensive counterattack tactics, relying on dense positions to limit the opponent's penetration in the middle, averaging 10.5 interceptions per game, but the pass success rate is only 79%, and the ball control ability is weak.

De Thomas, as the front arrow, has scored 6 goals this season and has outstanding personal abilities, but under the intensive defense of the opponent, offensive efficiency will be affected. Midfielder Dader averaged 2.3 key passes per game, but his defensive contribution was insufficient and it was easy to become a counter-attack breakthrough for opponents. Speed ​​striker Puado is good at counterattacking and has a less threat in positional battles.

3. Review of historical confrontations

Real Sociedad has an absolute advantage in the historical confrontations of the two teams. In the last 10 official matches, Real Sociedad 6 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses. In the two-leg matchup last season, Real Sociedad beat Espanyol at home and away, won 1-0 at home, 2-1 away, and both possession rate exceeded 60%, showing strong midfield suppression. Real Sociedad won five consecutive home games against Espanyol. The last time Espanyol won at Arnoeta Stadium back to 2016, and was at a psychological disadvantage.

4. Key factors and predictions of the game

(I) Home advantage

Real Sociedad home stadium was warm, with an average of more than 30,000 spectators per game. The team's recent home record has been stable, with 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in the last 5 home games. A good home atmosphere can inspire players' fighting spirit and add advantages to the team.

(II) Offensive efficiency

Real Sociedad's offensive methods vary, but the ability to seize opportunities needs to be improved. The Spaniards' offense relies on De Thomas' personal ability, and counterattack efficiency is the key. If Real Sociedad can improve the offensive conversion rate, use the midfield advantage to create more opportunities, and is expected to score goals; Espanyol needs to be more efficient in counterattacks and seize limited opportunities to score.

(III) Defensive performance

Real Sociedad's defense was relatively stable, and he averaged 0.9 goals per game last season. Espanyol has loopholes in defense, and they conceded 1.8 goals per game away. Facing Real Sociedad's offense, the Spanish defense line needs to bear tremendous pressure. Whether it can defend well and reduce mistakes is the key to the game.

Based on all factors, Real Sociedad has the upper hand in strength, status and historical confrontation. Real Sociedad is expected to control the rhythm of the game and have a great chance to score three points with its midfield advantage and home advantage. The score is predicted to be Real Sociedad 2-0 or 3-1 to beat the Spaniard. But the football game is full of uncertainty. Espanyol defeated Atletico Madrid in the first round and showed an upset strength. If it can continue its good form, remain focused on the defensive end, and seize the opportunity to counterattack, it may also cause trouble for Real Sociedad. Let us look forward to this wonderful showdown and witness which team can take solid steps in the new season.