Real Sociedad vs Celta de Vigo 3 September 2026 Prediction

Real Sociedad’s win over Espanyol ended a two-game losing streak, while Celta’s position is becoming more concerning. The visitors have scored one goal and earned one point through three matchdays. Real Sociedad will look to build on their first victory, while Celta need to show that their poor start is temporary.

Basques End Their Losing Run

Real Sociedad opened the season with defeats to Real Betis (0-1) and Real Madrid (1-4). They competed well for about an hour at the Bernabéu and went into halftime tied 1-1, but could not keep pace after the break. The team responded at home. The 2-1 win over Espanyol ended a five-game losing streak that included preseason matches. Oyarzabal was the standout performer. His workload had been managed carefully after returning from the World Cup, and he played nearly the entire match for the first time, providing two assists.

Real Sociedad will be without manager Pellegrino Matarazzo and assistant Omer Toprak for the upcoming match after both were sent off for arguing with the referee. Their absence will not affect the team’s preparation, but it could be significant if tactical changes are required during the game.

Real Sociedad have also made two late additions to the squad. Center back Mamadou Sarr has joined on loan from Chelsea, while Héctor Fort was signed from Barcelona. Fort provides much-needed depth at right back, where Odriozola’s injury had left Aramburu as the only established option. Club president Jokin Aperribay has confirmed that no further signings are planned. The injury situation is also improving, with Gorrotxategi back after a lengthy groin problem.

Celta Struggle to Create Chances

Celta went unbeaten in five preseason matches, but their form declined once the league campaign began. Claudio Giráldez’s team have taken only one point from three games, drawing 0-0 with Valencia before losing 2-1 to Osasuna and 2-0 to Athletic Club. Celta have created very little in attack and failed to reach 1.0 xG in any of those three matches.

The defeat to Osasuna can partly be explained by Marcos Alonso’s second-half red card, which came with the home side leading 1-0. There was no similar excuse against Valencia or Athletic Club. Giráldez was particularly disappointed with the latest performance. The manager called his team’s play after conceding the opening goal a “disaster” and admitted that he wanted to replace almost the entire lineup at halftime. He ultimately made four changes and later said that Celta needed major adjustments to compete effectively.

Couhaib Driouech, signed from PSV, could improve the attack. The Moroccan winger offers pace, an area in which Celta have struggled. However, Borja Iglesias, the team’s leading scorer last season with 14 goals, remains sidelined with a muscle injury. The schedule is another concern. Following matches against Osasuna on Thursday and Athletic Club on Sunday, the trip to San Sebastián will be Celta’s third game in eight days. Giráldez may need to rotate his lineup again.

Real Sociedad vs Celta Predicted Lineup

Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Martín, Gómez; Herrera, Turrientes; Kubo, Soler, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal

Injuries and Doubts: Odriozola, Marín (injured); Pacheco, Fort (doubtful)

Manager: Pellegrino Matarazzo

Celta (3-4-3): Radu; J. Rodríguez, Lago, Alonso; Núñez, Moriba, Febas, Carreira; Jutglà, Aspas, J. Álvarez

Out: Iglesias (injured)

Manager: Claudio Giráldez

Real Sociedad vs Celta Prediction: Real Sociedad to Win

Main Prediction: Real Sociedad are beginning to recover from their poor start. The 2-1 win over Espanyol should improve confidence, Oyarzabal is getting back to full fitness, and more players are becoming available. Celta have much bigger concerns, with one point from three matches and limited attacking production. Real Sociedad also won the most recent meeting in San Sebastián 3-1. Our selection is Real Sociedad to win at 2.01.

Total Goals Prediction: Celta have generated only 1.50 xG across their first three matches and failed to score in their only away game. Recent meetings in San Sebastián also favor a low-scoring result, with just one of the last five producing more than two goals. Consider under 2.5 goals at 1.92.