Espanyol vs Real Sociedad – Free football prediction and preview – Liga – May 23, 2026

Espanyol – Real Sociedad: a quiet finish

The Catalan side is riding a strong run of form. Real Sociedad arrive with European football already secured. With no points pressure hanging over either team, this has all the signs of an open, attack-minded game.

Espanyol’s revival

Manolo Gonzalez has completely turned his side around at the end of the season. Back-to-back wins have wiped out a miserable 16-match winless streak. Their latest victory against Osasuna underlined that surge in momentum. Carlos Romero and Kike finished off a solid display. 11th place is fair reward for a season that has been broadly steady. Forty-five points means they can coast through the run-in. Their home record is respectable too, with seven wins in front of the Catalan crowd. The hosts will fancy making it three in a row to sign off in style.

The release of Real Sociedad

Lifting the Copa del Rey ticked one big box this season. Securing continental qualification, oddly enough, has killed Real Sociedad’s momentum. Seven straight matches have gone by without a win. Their latest defensive collapse against Valencia exposed the problems still hanging over the side. Pellegrino Matarazzo wants an immediate response from his dressing room. Away from home, things have been a real issue all year. Just three wins on the road for Real Sociedad. Even so, the recent head-to-head record should give them a lift. Four wins and a draw in the last five meetings with this opponent is a strong return. The first leg also ended level.

Probable line-ups

Espanyol : Dmitrovic ; El Hilali, Riedel, Cabrera, Romero ; Dolan, Gonzalez de Zarate, Lozano, Milla ; Exposito, Kike

Real Sociedad : Remiro ; Munoz, Zubeldia, Martin, Elustondo ; Zakharyan, Turrientes, Soler, Marin ; Oskarsson, Mendez

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Football prediction Espanyol vs Real Sociedad

Both teams to score

With no arithmetic pressure, both sides should be able to play with a bit more freedom. Espanyol have been efficient enough in front of their own fans.

The visitors’ defensive slackness should open up space on the break. This has the look of a game where both ends of the pitch get used before the final whistle.

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