Real Sociedad aim to extend winning run against Levante

Real Sociedad welcome Levante with a clear aim: to build on a particularly productive spell in front of goal and strengthen their position in the race for Europe. The 2-5 in Málaga and 0-6 in Norway underline that scoring form, as do the three goals against Dépor, Valencia and Elche. A win would consolidate Real Sociedad’s fifth place and increase the gap to their rivals chasing European spots.

The match takes place this afternoon at Anoeta. Real Sociedad are targeting a fourth consecutive LaLiga victory, while Levante hope to move closer to the European places. The visitors come into the fixture after Wednesday’s win against Athletic; another victory would extend their momentum. Levante will also be looking for a second straight win and a fourth consecutive match without defeat, following their victory over Athletic Club and draws against Sevilla and Deportivo de A Coruña.

The standings show what is at stake: after nine matches, Real Sociedad are fifth on 16 points, while Levante sit 12th. The sides are separated by six points. Real Sociedad have five wins, one draw and three defeats, with 17 goals scored and the same number conceded. Levante have two wins, four draws and three defeats, with 15 goals scored and 17 conceded. In their last five LaLiga matches, Real Sociedad have won four and lost one; Levante have one win, two draws and two defeats.

At home, Real Sociedad have taken seven points from four matches, scoring five goals and conceding six. Levante’s home record is also two wins, one draw and one defeat from four games, with 13 goals scored and 10 conceded. Real Sociedad have also won three of their five away matches, losing the other two. The figures show different paths into the game, but do not lessen the importance of the meeting at Anoeta.

Matarazzo, who has made frequent changes to his starting eleven, could make few alterations this time compared with the previous Thursday. Etta Eyong scored on his return, while Hugo Sotelo, having recovered from a muscle injury, could get his first minutes this weekend. Both teams have recently played in high-scoring games. Real Sociedad will want to maintain their attacking output, but must turn it into points against a Levante side seeking consistency.